Victorian Training Awards 2023 winners announced

Melbourne Polytechnic and TAFE Gippsland were among the celebrated winners at the 69th annual Victorian Training Awards, recognising excellence across the state’s vocational education sector.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney congratulated the 15 winners, who were amongst the record number of nominations received this year.

The late Professor Peter Noonan has been awarded the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement, honouring his significant role in shaping policy in Australia's higher education, training and skills system for more than 25 years.

Melbourne Polytechnic and TAFE Gippsland are among the winners in the training organisation categories, while winning businesses include Jayco Australia, New Plumbing Solutions and Beaufort & Skipton Health Service.

With award winners from across metro and regional Victoria including Gippsland, Bendigo, Ballarat and Mildura, this exceptional talent cements Victoria’s position as the national leader in vocational education and training.

The strength of this year’s competition highlights the state’s thriving TAFE and vocational education and training sector and points towards continued success.

Award winners receive $5,000 prize money, and selected winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Hobart in November 2023.

Free TAFE has removed the barriers for training for a great new career for more than 137,000 students – saving students almost $340 million since the program began in 2019.  $186 million has been invested to extend the eligibility of Free TAFE programs, so more people can embark on a great career.

More than 80 courses and short courses are available across Victoria as part of Free TAFE, offering tuition fee-free training, so more people can embark on a great career or re-train into growing industries.

Since 2014, more than $4 billion was invested to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.

For the full list visit the 2023 Victorian Training Awards winners(opens in a new window).

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

'Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Victorian Training Awards – their contribution to our community is incredible, whether they are a student, teacher or an industry leader.'

'The strong competition in the Victorian Training Awards is a clear sign that our vocational education system is growing and thriving – there’s no doubt we’re helping more Victorians find a job they love and can succeed in.'