Award categories

Seven of the categories are contested at a regional level - Brisbane, Central Queensland, Gold Coast, North Queensland, South West Queensland and Wide Bay Sunshine Coast - with winners then competing for a state title.

These awards are:

Apprentice of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a student who recently completed an apprenticeship in Queensland.

Trainee of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a student who recently completed a traineeship in Queensland.

Vocational Student of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a student who recently completed a vocational education and training qualification in Queensland.

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
For outstanding achievement by a Queensland school-based apprentice or trainee.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
For outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student within the Queensland vocational education and training sector.

Small Employer of the Year
For outstanding achievement in the area of vocational education and training by a Queensland business with fewer than 20 staff.

Employer of the Year
For outstanding achievement in the area of vocational education and training by a Queensland business with 20 or more staff.

A further four categories are awarded at the state level only:

Public Training Provider of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the delivery of vocational education and training in Queensland by a public registered training organisation.

Private Training Organisation of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the delivery of vocational education and training in Queensland by a private registered training organisation.

Skilling for the Future Award
For an outstanding Queensland school, non-school organisation or community partnership that has developed and implemented alternative training and education opportunities for school students.

Premier’s Innovation in Skilling Award
For an organisation, or collaboration/partnership that has demonstrated the true spirit of the Queensland Skills Plan, taking an innovative approach to skills development that contributes to Queensland’s economic development.