WA Training Awards 2020

In April this year, the measures adopted across WA in response to COVID-19 led to a decision to cancel the 2020 WATA program. However, as some restrictions are lifting we are now able to run a streamlined version of the program with five individual student categories available.

The Department places the highest priority on the safety and health of our students, training providers and extended communities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the shortened timeframe for the new streamlined 2020 awards program, we unfortunately cannot offer the full suite of award categories this year.

If you submitted an application earlier this year and would like to resubmit, please email the WA Training Awards team or call us on 08 6551 5952.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints not all categories could be included in WA Training Awards 2020 program. The categories available in 2020 provide an opportunity for those WA students who have completed their training and would not be eligible to participate in the WA Training Awards next year.

If you are a student, you may find one of the other award categories available this year more appropriate (if you meet all other eligibility requirements), but you can only apply  for one award category.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints organisational and training provider award categories  could not be included in the streamlined WA Training Awards program for 2020.

The categories available in 2020 provide an opportunity for those WA students who have completed their training and would not be eligible to participate in the WA Training Awards next year.

Yes we encourage you to submit your application along with the completed selection criteria by the closing date. Please email the WA Training Awards team or call us on 08 6551 5952 to discuss any concerns about the required evidence.

Written applications are assessed by selection panels. In 2020, up to three finalists are shortlisted in each category based on written application assessments. Finalists are interviewed for approximately 30 minutes. Questions asked are based on the selection criteria. Following the interviews the panel will select a winner in each category. Their decision will be based upon both the written application and the interview.

No. Individuals can only apply for one WA Training Award and must not apply/accept a nomination for another state or territory’s training awards in the nominating year.

No. Applications are required to be written and submitted online by the applicant.

Applicants can seek assistance from others in preparing the information but the application should be written and submitted by the applicant.

Finalists in all categories may reapply for the same or other awards in subsequent years if they are eligible.

Individual winners may not apply for the same category award in subsequent years but may apply in other categories if they are eligible.

There is no application fee for any award.

The content of the written application is very important for proceeding to the next stage of the judging process.

• Applicants in all individual categories are asked to provide information about themselves. Applicants can seek assistance from others in preparing the information but the application should be written by the applicant. This means using first person point of view; words like 'I' or 'my', not 'he', 'she' or 'they'.
• Consider all of the points under each main heading. Treat every one of the assessment criteria equally as they are all important.
• Vague generalisations should be avoided. General statements such as 'I am a good team member' or 'I have an understanding of industry trends' must be supported with clear evidence and practical examples.
• Dot points are acceptable.
• Keep your writing clear and succinct.
• Be mindful of the word count. There is a word limit for each criterion (as specified in the conditions of entry).
• Think of the application as an application for a job – emphasise what makes you stand head and shoulders above all other applicants.
• The judges are looking for an ambassador for the training sector, someone who is passionate about what they do, has achieved great things during their training pathway and is able to inspire others to do the same.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Panels at all stages of the judging process are made up of people from industry and the training sector. Category sponsors are usually also represented on judging panels as well as previous category winners. People with the appropriate experience and expertise are selected to judge each category.

Panels have four members. Care is taken to make sure there is a balance of genders and backgrounds. The decisions of the judging panels are final.

All applications will be acknowledged in writing.

Applicants will be notified in writing as to whether they have been successful in reaching the next stage. Phone calls will be placed to finalists only.

First stage

• Written applications are assessed by selection panels.
• Semi-finalists are shortlisted in each category.

Second stage

• Semi-finalists are interviewed at the semi-finalist judging day.
• Semi-finalists are required to prepare a five minute presentation for the judging panel. Following their presentation they will be interviewed for approximately 30 minutes. Questions asked are based on the selection criteria.
• Following the interviews the panel will select up to four finalists including a winner in each category. Their decision will be based upon both the written application and the interview.

Winners and finalists are ambassadors for the Western Australian training system. They receive a good deal of media attention, particularly in local press media. It is likely that as a finalist or winner your story and photo may be featured in your local or the WA state paper, that your story may be told on radio and a possibility of TV/video coverage, however, this is not assured.

The Department of Training and Workforce Development may use photographs and non confidential information from the applications in its print and electronic publications. The application includes a release for this purpose.

All State winners will be put forward as Western Australia’s nominations for the Australian Training Awards. 

National winners will be announced by the Australian Training Awards.

If you are chosen as the winner of your category, you will be invited to participate in a variety of activities. Visit the Being an ambassador page for more information.

If you are an apprentice, trainee, vocational student or school-based apprentice of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, keep in mind that the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award is not the only one you may be eligible to enter. You may find one of the other award categories more appropriate to you, but you can only apply for one.

Unfortunately no. Applicants for the WA Cultural Diversity Training Award must have migrated to Australia from overseas after 1 January 2014 and reside in Western Australia. Migrants who arrived in Australia before this date will not be eligible to apply in this category but may apply in another of the student categories if they meet the eligibility criteria.

As a VET in School student you can apply for Vocational Student of the Year (given you meet all other eligibility requirements).

There is no restriction on qualification level in the vocational student category. If you are a school-based apprentice or trainee however, you should apply for the School-based Apprentice of the Year. 

If you are completing or have completed a pre-apprenticeship you can apply for Vocational Student of the Year (given you meet all other eligibility requirements). There is no restriction on qualification level in the Vocational Student category.

The School-based Apprentice of the Year award is open to both school-based apprentices and trainees. You must have completed or be completing a Certificate II qualification or above and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Contact Apprenticeship Office on 13 19 54 to confirm your completion date. This is the total period of time which you are indentured as an apprentice/trainee, not just the date you have completed your training component.

Either party can provide a reference however you should select an individual within these organisations who best knows you and can provide an appropriate reference.