Entering the awards
Subscribe to QTA News to stay informed about key dates, nomination tips, event updates, and exclusive behind the scenes news, including important announcements about our Regional, State and Australian Training Awards.
The Queensland Training Awards is your opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for your contribution to the state's vocational education and training (VET) sector.
The Queensland Training Awards are the most prestigious and longest running training sector awards program in the state. They provide individuals and organisations with a unique opportunity to showcase their achievements, best practice and innovation in training.
For individuals, being a finalist or award winner can:
- open doors and expand your networks
- provide recognition for your hard work and celebrate an important milestone
- raise your profile and inspire others to explore VET pathways.
For organisations, being a finalist or award winner can:
- help build your business and raise its profile
- provide recognition for your organisation's hard work
- provide exposure for your business and networking opportunities.
Find out how the awards help Queenslanders celebrate their achievements by reading testimonials from previous winners and watching the below videos.
Why nominate? Hear from QTA nominees
[Litia Pitt, Moranbah – 2021 regional winner, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student (business)]
Being nominated means the absolute world to me, honestly.
[Sam Raper, Gold Coast – 2021 regional winner, apprentice (plumbing)]
Being nominated personally means that I'm doing something right in the industry.
[Anja Siebers, Ilkley – 2021 regional winner, trainee (conservation and land management)]
All the hard work I put into my training has been recognised.
[Dylan Woodford, Townsville – 2021 regional winner, school-based apprentice (engineering—fabrication trade)]
Shows how my hard work can get me further in life.
[Jack Mitchell, Hampden – 2021 regional finalist, apprentice (engineering—fitter and turner]
It's quite an achievement in itself just being nominated.
[Abi Winter, Woodstock – 2021 regional finalist, apprentice (engineering—mechanical trade)
It's been pretty awesome and it's been so smooth and I'd definitely recommend it.
[Justine Brown, Maryborough – 2021 regional finalist, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student (health administration)]
Absolutely would a hundred percent recommend it to others. You've got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Why nominate? Hear from business nominees
[Brett Preston, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service – 2021 regional winner]
Being nominated for the Queensland Training Awards is significant for us and our people and for the recognition.
[Beau Minnett, Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique, Toowoomba – 2021 regional finalist]
To show what our salon has done over the years when it comes to training and skills with apprentices.
[Mark Fletcher, Mark Fletcher Solid Plaster and Texture Coatings – 2021 regional finalist]
I think the business gains a lot of exposure.
[Seamus Taylor, Taylor Automotive, Dysart – 2021 regional finalist]
Means recognition for all the hard work that our staff put in, both their daily duties in the business and their training.
[Stacey Coburn, Townsville City Council – 2021 regional winner]
It's a great opportunity to be involved in the Queensland Training Awards. It gets people thinking about their job differently. I would definitely encourage others to get involved.
Who can nominate?
You can nominate yourself, someone else or an organisation. With a range of award categories available, there's something for everyone involved in training, including:
- apprentices and trainees
- vocational students
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- school-based apprentices and trainees
- VET teachers and trainers
- community training initiatives
- employers of all sizes
- training providers
- industry collaborations.
Subscribe to QTA News to keep up to date.
Key dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 27 January 2026 | Nominations open |
| 29 March 2026 | Nominations close |
| March - May 2026 | Judging (regional and state-only categories) |
| Friday 31 July 2026 | North Queensland regional final |
| Friday 31 July 2026 | North Coast regional final |
| Friday 31 July 2026 | South East regional final |
| Wednesday 5 August 2026 | Tropical North Queensland regional final |
| Friday 7 August 2026 | Metropolitan regional final |
| Friday 14 August 2026 | Central Queensland regional final |
| Friday 14 August 2026 | Darling Downs South West regional final |
| Saturday 19 September 2026 | Queensland Training Awards (state final) – The Star, Brisbane |
| Friday 20 November 2026 | Australian Training Awards (national final) - International Convention Centre Sydney, Sydney NSW |