Western Australian Trainer of the Year Award: Category information and application documents

Information you need to take the leap and apply for Trainer of the Year in the WA Training Awards.
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This prestigious award recognises innovation and excellence by a teacher or trainer who is providing nationally recognised training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO) or in partnership with an RTO. 

The winner will receive $3,000, professional development training, and have the opportunity to represent Western Australia at the Australian Training Awards.

Check the eligibility criteria

To be eligible to enter this category you must:

  • be a permanent resident of Australia;
  • be a qualified teacher/trainer (as determined by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations), employed (or regularly contracted) by a registered training organisation*; and
  • have delivered training in WA (for some period) from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025 which will lead/has led to nationally recognised qualifications or Statement/s of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework national training system.

*All applications must be endorsed by the RTO and evidence of the trainer/teacher’s qualification must be submitted with the application. Please read the information below regarding required documentation.

We are here to help

Talk to us

Contact the WA Training Awards team if you are unsure about the application process, require support with your application, or if you would like further information about the awards program.
 

View our webinars

We have produced webinars to provide you with an opportunity to hear from previous WA Training Awards individual category winners about their experience. Get a run down on what to expect throughout the awards process, and learn what the judges are looking for in an award winning application. 
 
 
Note: These webinars were recorded in 2023, and feature award winners from previous years.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions or are unsure about the criteria, eligibility or application process please take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions.
 
 

Ready to take the leap?

Follow these steps

Please read the information in each of the steps below carefully, to ensure that your application can be accepted.

Step 1: Check the conditions of entry

  • Applications must be submitted online via the WA Training Awards application portal by 5:00 pm on the closing date. All applicable sections of the portal must be completed, including all required attachments.
  • Each category requires supporting documentation and references, and these must be uploaded and attached to the online application under the 'Attachments' section.
  • Applicants can apply for one category only, and must meet the eligibility criteria for that category.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have selected the correct category.
  • Application responses must be no longer than the maximum word limit allowed.
  • The WA Training Awards is a self-nomination process. Applicants must personally prepare and submit their own applications. However, it is recommended that applicants get a friend, coworker or family member to review their application before submitting.
  • In addition to the required attachments, applicants may attach additional relevant supporting evidence (individual applicants may attach no more than five A4 pages and organisation applicants no more than ten A4 pages).
  • Applicants acknowledge that the information submitted in the 'overview' will be summarised and used as a profile should they be selected as a finalist.
  • Applicants must supply factually correct information with the understanding that this will be checked and confirmed before the application is progressed to the judging panel.
  • Applicants must agree to abide by the decision of the selection panel, as no appeals will be entered into.
  • By entering, finalists and winners agree for their photographs, profiles, video footage, training details and suburbs to be used for promotional purposes by the Government of Western Australia and Commonwealth of Australia. The check box in the application portal must be ticked to substantiate this.
  • Applicants must comply with Department of Training and Workforce Development standards in regards to training, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations matters.
  • Applicants agree to notify the Awards team immediately, should there be a change in an applicant’s circumstances with regard to their training or employment.
  • Applicants must advise the Awards team of changes to their contact details.
  • Individual finalists must participate in the judging day, which includes attending an interview, to remain eligible.
  • Eligible category winners* in individual categories must attend a two-day professional development workshop, before the Australian Training Awards finalist week and presentation dinner.
  • Applicants acknowledge that, should they win their WA Training Award category, their original application will be submitted to the Australian Training Awards if their category is eligible. The Australian Training Awards will allow State winners to update content only where there is new information or information has changed between nominated dates.

* Does not include the Cultural Diversity Training Award or International Student of the Year Award.

Step 2: Read the application guide

To understand the process and what's required for your application in the Trainer of the Year Award category, please read through the application guide available below. 

Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and the conditions of entry for the category that you are applying for.

The application guide also has hints and useful tips on how to submit a great application.

View the individual award category application guide

Step 3: Complete the selection criteria

As part of your application, you will be asked to respond to four selection criteria. This is where you have the opportunity to tell us about yourself and your achievements. Each criterion has a limit of 600 words.

Criterion 1: Excellence and initiatives

Consider things such as the following.

  • What involvement have you had in the development of new learning methodologies and training delivery?
  • Describe an initiative you have implemented which has led to innovation/improvement in your delivery and/or assessment practice.
  • How have you shared the outcomes of your innovation/improvement with your colleagues?
  • What has been the impact of these initiatives/ improvements on your learners, your colleagues and your industry partners?

Criterion 2: Learner needs and focus

Consider the following areas.

  • How do you support the diverse needs of your learners and ensure they continue to be engaged in their learning journey?
  • What evidence is there of the effectiveness of the design and delivery methodologies of your training program?
  • Provide examples where you have initiated a new idea/activity etc in response to feedback.
  • Provide examples of the learner/industry/ community feedback mechanisms that you use.

Criterion 3: Commitment to VET teaching and learning

Consider the following.

  • How do you maintain and grow your own skills and knowledge?
  • How do you support others to develop their skills and knowledge?
  • Provide examples of your engagement with other VET professionals.

Criterion 4: Links with industry and community

Consider things such as the following.

  • How are active links with industry and the community implemented in practice?
  • What are the major issues confronting the industry(ies) your program engages with?
  • How can VET help address these issues?
  • What level of engagement do you have with Industry and professional bodies?
  • How do you promote VET in industry and the community?

Templates to help with your application

You may also like to look at our example draft application templates, as a guide to helping you respond to the selection criteria and complete your application.

View the individual awards draft application templates

Step 4: Complete any required documents

Make sure you have completed the following documents required for Trainer of the Year Award applicants. A template for each document is available via the links below.

  • A signed talent release form (to enable WA Training Awards to use your photo and information if you are a finalist or winner).

View the talent release form

  • At least one written reference from either an employer, host employer or your trainer/lecturer.

View the employer/host employer or lecturer reference template

For this category, you must also provide an endorsement from your organisation's Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director.

CEO/MD endorsement template

Step 5: Lodge your application online

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria; once you have prepared your responses to the selection criteria for the category and have all of the required documents signed and completed, you are ready to submit your application via our online portal.

Key dates

Please be sure to check the key dates for this year's awards programs, for the closing date and time to submit your application.

Information about lodging your application online is available here

Western Australian Training Awards

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