Our top tip - start early!

Nominations open at the start of each year, but you can set yourself up for success by preparing your nomination early. This gives you more time to reflect, gather evidence, and craft a compelling story that shows your achievements.

Five easy steps to enter

Follow the steps below to understand the nomination process and how to prepare a strong submission. Start by watching the short overview video for a quick introduction, then read through each step to learn what’s involved.

For more guidance, watch How to create a winning nomination. It includes practical tips from past winners and finalists, plus answers to common questions from a live Q&A.

Together, these resources guide you from eligibility to final submission.

Celebrate your success in the Queensland Training Awards with five easy steps to enter.

Step One – Go online to check you're eligible and register to get going.

Step Two – Gather any information, documents and photos you need.

Step Three – Draft your responses to award criteria. Use a drafting template and refer to writing tips and examples of successful nominations.

Step Four – Proofread your responses, check word limits and ask for feedback from a friend or colleague. Our QTA coordinators can help with questions too.

Step Five – To submit, when nominations open, go to the nomination portal. Create an account if you haven't already, click "Start a Nomination" and step it through. Enter your details, paste in your overview, paste your responses to selection criteria, attach your supporting material then hit submit. And remember, you can edit your nomination at any time, even after you submit.

Follow the easy steps to nominate and celebrate your training achievements in the Queensland Training Awards.

Watch this video on YouTube.

1. Check eligibility and requirements

Start by reviewing the criteria for your award category. This will help you confirm:

  • if you're eligible
  • what is involved in the nomination process
  • what to include in your nomination.

If nominations are not open yet, you can refer to last year's criteria as a guide.

Use the region finder tool to identify your correct region and make sure you've read and understood the conditions of entry.

If you need help at any stage, contact us. We can confirm your eligibility, region and answer any questions.

2. Gather required and supporting materials

Collect all mandatory items listed in your award category eligibility criteria, along with up to 5 optional supporting materials. This may include:

  • professional head shots (individual categories)
  • organisational logo (organisation categories)
  • 3–5 workplace or publicity photos
  • newspaper, newsletter or other articles
  • copies of certifications, awards or certificates
  • letters of support from teachers, employers, students, customers or partnering organisations.

Gather these materials early, as sourcing and preparing them can take time.

Head shots are mandatory for all individual award categories. A high-quality head shot should be simple, well-lit and professionally presented.

Follow these tips:

  • Dress appropriately: Wear your usual work wear (remove lanyards, hard hats and safety glasses if it is safe to do so). Avoid patterned clothing.
  • Choose a simple background: Use a clean, uncluttered background and check nothing appears behind your head. Concrete walls or open sky work well.
  • Use good lighting: Natural light is best. If shooting indoors, avoid fluorescent lighting and consider a ring light. Aim for even light with no dark shadows.
  • Adopt a confident pose: Stand or sit tall with shoulders back, chin lifted and your upper body turned slightly. Relax and smile.
  • Frame the shot well: Portrait or landscape both work. In landscape, make sure you aren’t cut off too much so the image can be cropped if needed.
  • Avoid heavy editing: Keep edits minimal to give our designers flexibility.
  • Supply high resolution photos: Minimum 300 dpi.

If taking photos on a smartphone:

  • Use HDR if available: This improves image quality.
  • Avoid digital zoom: It reduces image quality. Move in close instead.
  • Tap to focus: Ensure the focus is on your face.
  • Sent the highest-resolution files: Choose the largest file size available (up to 10MB).

These photos tell a story about you and the work you do. The examples provided show what high-quality workplace and action shots look like. Use these tips:

  • Dress appropriately: Wear your usual work wear. Remove non-essential items like lanyards. Follow all safety requirements (e.g. safety). If you can, avoid patterned clothing.
  • Choose a clear setting: Use well-lit, simple places. If your workplace is visually busy, use focus to soften the background.
  • Use natural light: You may add extra light if needed. Avoid harsh indoor fluorescent lighting common in offices.
  • Capture a variety of photos:
    • at least 1 'power shot' in your work gear and setting, looking confidently at the camera. These are best done in sharp focus, with a softened background
    • relaxed, authentic moments while working (looking and not looking at the camera)
    • interactions with teachers, trainers, colleagues or clients (looking and not looking at the camera)
  • Shoot in landscape: This format is preferred for design flexibility.
  • Don't over edit or crop: Leave space for our designers to work with.
  • Supply high-resolution photos: Minimum 300 dpi.

Safety reminder: Be sure all photos show a safe work environment with practices, equipment and clothing.

Supplying photos confirms all people pictured have consented to their use in Queensland Training Awards promotions and related government programs and initiatives. Photos of state winners will also be shared with the Australian Training Awards.

If your images include others or are submitted on behalf of an organisation or project:

Check consent: Confirm permission with everyone featured.

Keep a record: Email confirmation or other written records is recommended.

3. Draft your responses to selection criteria

Draft your responses on a computer first to jot down ideas, plan and write your responses.

Writing tips

  • Use clear, simple language: Make your responses easy to understand.
  • Dot points are fine: Use them when they break up long information.
  • Check spelling and grammar: Use spell check, correct grammar and stick to the word counts.
  • Use correct names: Double check the names of your qualification, training provider, employer and other details.
  • Address the selection criteria: Use each nomination question as a heading. Add subheadings if they help organise your responses.
  • Give practical examples: Support your statements in specific evidence. Avoid general claims like 'I am a good team member', 'I have an understanding of industry trends' or 'training is fundamental to the success of our business' unless you can show how and why.
  • Show the impact of training: Judging panels are looking for examples of how training contributed to your career and study plans, the development of skills and achievements to date, and how training may have helped in achieving other pursuits.
  • Highlight what makes you stand out: Think of the nomination as an application for a competitive position or business contract.
  • Repeat key points where needed: The overview section is not assessed, so include any critical information again in your selection criteria responses.
  • Stay within limits: Do not exceed strict word limits per selection criteria or maximum number of attachments.

Use these templates to draft your responses before copying them into the online nomination. Do not attach them – responses must be entered into the online fields.

These templates help you plan your answers, organise ideas, review spelling and grammar, and share your draft with someone else for feedback.

Note: Award category eligibility criteria can change from year to year. These drafting templates are updated each year, accordingly, when nominations open December/January. If you are preparing in advance, be sure to check you are responding to up-to-date criteria.

4. Check your responses

Proofread your responses. Check your grammar, spelling and word limits for each selection criteria.

This is a good time to share your draft with colleagues, friends, family or teachers. Ask them to review your responses and provide feedback.

5. Submit your nomination

Once you are happy with your responses and have gathered all your supporting material, you can complete the online nomination process when the nomination portal opens (usually between January and March each year).

Submit your nomination

Award category criteria may change from year to year. Before submitting, make sure you are responding to the current criteria.

You can continue to edit your nomination until the closing time, even after you've submitted.

Before submitting, check that you have:

  • chosen the correct region for your nomination
  • met all eligibility criteria for your chosen award category
  • addressed all the selection criteria for your chosen award category
  • completed all sections in the online nomination portal
  • submitted all attachments correctly.

You will need to confirm that you have read and understood the declaration in the online nomination portal and agree to the conditions of entry before submitting.

All the best with your nomination and good luck!

After your submission

Learn about what happens next, including the judging and interview processes, which takes place after the nomination period closes.

More information and support

If you have questions, read our frequently asked questions.

If you still need help, contact your regional network for support throughout the nomination process.

If you are applying for a state direct entry category, contact the Queensland Training Awards state team on qldtrainingawards@dtet.qld.gov.au.

Last updated 14 January 2026

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