The 2025 Apprentice Training Awards, hosted at the iconic Melbourne Town Hall, brought together close to 350 guests to celebrate the exceptional achievements of apprentices and trainees from across Victoria. This prestigious event honoured the dedication, skill, and perseverance of all finalists, with special recognition for the winners in each category for their outstanding accomplishments.
Gary Workman, Executive Director, shared an inspiring message:
“It’s inspiring to see such a high caliber of talent and perseverance among this year’s finalists. Their achievements set a benchmark for excellence in vocational training and demonstrate the vital role apprentices play in Victoria’s future.”
Congratulations to all finalists and award recipients for their hard work and passion in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.
Key Award winners include:
Max Neagle from Ai Group has been awarded Apprentice of the Year for completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication.
Caitlin Van Dolderen, representing CVGT Employment, has won Trainee of the Year after completing her Certificate III in Business.
Sarah Hunn-Mozes, also from Ai Group, is the recipient of the Women in Trades Award for her achievements in the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication.
Ella Underwood, representing NECA Education & Careers, has been named the winner of the Disability Achievement Award for completing a Certificate III in Business.
Finchetts Plumbing, in partnership with Westvic Staffing Solutions, has received the GTO Industry Collaboration Award.
Nick Powell, an apprentice mentor from gforce employment + recruitment, received the GTO Service Excellence – Individual for his exceptional support of apprentices facing significant barriers and challenges.
NECA Education & Careers won Apprentice Training Provider of the Year
NextGen Jobs has won the GTO Service Excellence Award – Program for their NextTech initiative.
Jesse Purcell-Tamihana from NECA Education & Careers has been honoured with the Overcoming Adversity Award for his work towards a Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology.
Shanel Camilleri from NECA Education & Careers has received the STAR Award for her positive contribution to health and safety while undertaking Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
Lucinda Evans, supported by Westvic Staffing Solutions, has been named School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year for her achievements in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education.
Clodagh Ridgway from gforce employment + recruitment has won People’s Choice Apprentice of the Year for her achievements in Certificate III in Electrotechnology.
Caitlin Van Dolderen, representing CVGT Employment, has won People’s Choice Trainee of the Year after completing her Certificate III in Business.
Industry Service Award – Jodi Sharman from Gallagher
Lifetime Achievement Award – Rose Charles from NECA Education & Careers
Lifetime Achievement Award – Philip Seeber from NECA Education & Careers
Lifetime Achievement Award: Michelle Armstrong Murray Mallee Training Company, Rose Marra Murray Mallee Training Company, and Kelly McCusker NECA Education & Careers were not in attendance.
The night acknowledged over 40 GTO staff for their long-term commitment to supporting apprentices and trainees into successful and fulfilling careers.
We would like to thank all our sponsors for their generous contributions that enable events like this to be the great success they are:
Apprenticeship Support Australia | APM | Apprenticeships Victoria | AustralianSuper | Bendigo TAFE | Builders Academy Australia | Energy Safe Victoria | Empowered Women In Trades (EWIT) Group Australia | Gallagher | Kangan Institute | MEGT (Australia) Ltd | PROfound Leadership | Award-winning leadership solutions | Reece Group | RMIT University | Victorian Skills Authority
Thank you to all the judges who had the mammoth task of selecting finalists and winners from over 140 exceptional nominations this year.
A special thank you to everyone who attended and filled the room, not only on seats, but with the cheers and applause of celebration echoing off the walls of the Melbourne Town Hall making the evening even more spectacular. We look forward to celebrating with everyone again next year.