History of the NT Training Awards

Since 1995, the Northern Territory has celebrated excellence in vocational education and training (VET) through the prestigious annual NT Training Awards.

Whether it is the story of the young apprentice becoming a qualified trades person and securing their future, or the positive influence of VET teacher / trainers in the classroom, or the importance of skilled staff to the profitability of large and small business, it is clear the VET sector is an important enabler of progress in our community.

Celebrating successes in the Territory VET sector ensures a constant strive for excellence in training, which leads to a stronger economy centred on knowledge, innovation and ultimately an improved global competitiveness.

The annual awards were originally created to reward the lads who ‘set their minds to work’. This recognition was made more formal at the first annual Apprenticeship Presentation Dinner held in Darwin in 1969, which was organised by the RAOB Club.

The awards are now coordinated and managed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade and are the most prestigious event on the Territory’s VET calendar, achieving increased recognition by industry and the broader community.

The awards are considered a highlight of the year for apprentices, trainees, vocational students, employers, registered training organisations and various other stakeholders of the vocational education and training sector who are committed to training.

Through showcasing best practice in training, the NT Training Awards promote continuous improvement and innovation in the design and delivery of VET.

Vocational education and training, in all of its various incarnations, has always been viewed as having an important role in the NT. Whether it was known as apprenticeship training, adult education, TAFE or VET - the acquisition of employment-related skills has been widely accepted as necessary to the Territory’s economic, social and cultural development.