Entries have opened for the 2022 Australian Training Awards, with a new award for innovation in the vocational education and training sector announced as part of this year’s awards lineup.
The prestigious awards, which celebrate Australia’s VET sector, will be held in Adelaide on 18 November 2022 and will honour 16 award recipients, including four Australian Government categories, 11 State and Territory categories and the Outstanding Achievement in the VET and Skills Sector Award.Â
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said the awards will focus on creative initiatives that have been developed within the VET sector as the nation continues its economic recovery.
“This year we’re introducing a new award for Innovation in VET, which recognises employers, training providers and organisations who have made the most of a challenging year for the sector,” Minister Robert said.Â
“These awards showcase the VET sector and remind us all how crucial apprentices and trainees are to Australian businesses.
“We have seen an unprecedented surge in the number of apprentices or trainees being employed across the country. Last year alone, there were one in four Australian businesses with an apprentice or trainee, which demonstrates the strength of the skills system under the Morrison Government.
“Recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research has found the proportion of Australian businesses with apprentices and trainees is at its highest level since 2011, which shows our investment in VET is paying off.’
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth said the Australian Training Awards form part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to the VET sector.
“The Morrison Government has invested $7.8 billion this financial year alone to assist Australians across the nation to upskill and reskill, the biggest investment in our nation’s history,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.
“Our VET sector – individuals and businesses are the backbone of our economy and will help us recover faster from the economic impacts of COVID.
“I encourage anyone in the VET sector to recognise the exceptional work, excellence or innovation of a colleague, business or organisation with a nomination.”
The Australian Training Award nominations are open from today until 31 May 2022.
More details and how to nominate can be found at: www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au
