“Being recognised as the SA Apprentice of the Year has brought immense pride to both myself and my family.”
These are the words of Hugo Kregar, the 2023 winner of the prestigious state vocational education and training (VET) award.
“From a young age I had a strong desire to complete an apprenticeship, knowing it was an excellent way to begin my career in construction,” Hugo says.
“As an aspiring apprentice I always looked up to young leaders in the industry, so it was very humbling to be recognised through this award.”
Nominations are now open for the 2024 South Australian Training Awards which recognise the state's best VET students, apprentices and trainees, trainers, training providers, schools and employers.
This year the program has been expanded to include the Lifetime Achievement Award, which acknowledges an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the South Australian VET and skills sector for more than 15 years.
The individual award categories are:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
- Trainee of the Year
- Vocational Student of the Year
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
The organisational award categories are:
- Industry Collaboration
- Small Employer of the Year
- Large Employer of the Year
- Small Training Provider of the Year
- Large Training Provider of the Year
- Excellence in Diversity
- VET Innovation for Schools
The program also includes a Voters’ Choice Award which is presented to the public’s favourite individual finalist.
Hugo says apprenticeships are one of the best ways to begin a successful career, and that the award had given him a platform to inspire and encourage others to undertake this pathway.
“Winning the state award, along with completing my apprenticeship, has opened so many doors to progress my career,” he says.
“I’ve taken on a new role as a building estimator, using the skills learnt from my carpentry apprenticeship and my construction management degree that I am currently undertaking.”
SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker says the SA Training Awards are a fantastic way to showcase the efforts and talents of individuals and organisations across the state who motivate others and contribute to their communities.
“Through these awards we want to recognise the incredible quality, diversity and ingenuity in VET across our state,” Mr Baker says.
“You may know someone who’s an outstanding teacher, trainer, or long-serving member of the VET sector; you may be aware of a business committed to building and developing its people through training; or you may be one of our state’s outstanding training providers delivering high quality training and shaping our future workforce.
“You might be a passionate apprentice or trainee who’s making a positive impact in your industry or someone who has overcome challenges and is now thriving because of your training. Now is the time to share your story.”
Nominations close on 24 May, with judging to take place throughout June and July. Winners will be announced on 25 September at the 2024 South Australian Training Awards Gala Presentation, before the national 2024 Australian Training Awards Presentation in Canberra on 6 December.
For more information, visit South Australian Training Awards.
