Frequently asked questions

The Queensland Training Awards celebrates people and organisations who do great work in vocational education and training (VET).

With a 65-year history, they are Queensland’s longest-running and most respected training awards. The awards recognise apprentices, trainees, students, teachers and trainers, as well as employers and training providers who help build a skilled workforce and strong communities.

Being nominated is a chance to share your success and be recognised for your hard work.

Winners and finalists benefit from:

• public recognition
• opportunities to build their professional profile
• pride in representing their industry, workplace or community.

For organisations, the awards highlight best practice and help attract staff, students and partners.

Each award category has its own eligibility rules. These are listed on the Award category page.

If you’re unsure, contact our regional network for help.

Regional and state winners receive official certificates, trophies and in some categories, additional prizes supported by sponsors.

Beyond the prizes, winners and finalists gain recognition across Queensland for their skills, dedication and impact, which can lead to new opportunities and career progression.

No. There is no nomination fee. The only cost is the time needed to complete the nomination.

Nominations for the 2026 Queensland Training Awards will close at 11.59pm (AEST) on 22 March 2026.

View key dates

Anyone can nominate, including individuals, employers, training providers, industry groups and community members.

Nominators must make sure the nominee meets the eligibility criteria for the award.

Examples of who can nominate are:

Individual awards

• A VET student, apprentice or trainee nominates themselves for an award.
• An employer nominates 1 or more of their apprentices, trainees, or other employees in accredited training.
• An organisation nominates 1 or more of their outstanding students (an organisation or individual can nominate more than 1 candidate).
• A school or training organisation nominates a school-based apprentice or trainee.
• A training organisation, student or group of students nominates 1 of their teachers/trainers for the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year award.

Organisational awards

• An employer of a business or training organisation nominates their own organisation for a relevant award.
• A training organisation nominates a business or company for the Small, Medium or Large Employer of the Year award.
• An industry association nominates an employer or a training organisation for the relevant award.
• A training organisation that is working with local schools and an industry organisation to deliver nationally accredited training nominates for the Premier's Industry Collaboration Award.

Yes. You can nominate more than 1 eligible person or organisation.

If nominees are entered in the same category, they will compete against each other.

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Enter your nomination

Yes. Organisations with more than 1 Queensland location must choose to either:

• nominate as 1 statewide organisation
• submit separate nominations for each Queensland location.

If nominating separately, a separate nomination is required for each location.

Yes. For organisations operating across multiple states, only the Queensland arm and Queensland-based activities will be considered.

No. Training providers must nominate their entire Queensland operation.

Individual campuses or branches of a registered training organisation cannot nominate separately.

This also applies to the Community Training Initiative of the Year category.

Yes. Organisations whose core business is not vocational education and training may nominate the Queensland arm of their organisation for an employer award category.

Choose the category that best reflects your main role:

• training is your main business – nominate for Training Provider of the Year
• training supports another business activity – nominate for Employer of the Year.

Yes, in most cases.

For the 2026 awards, your qualification must have been completed (or be completing) between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Equity Student of the Year nominees have a longer, 2 year eligibility period.

First Nations nominees can also apply for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award.

To do this:

1. Nominate in an eligible individual category.
2. Tick the boxes confirming your identity and interest.
3. Complete one extra criteria question on community engagement.

Yes. Previous winners and finalists can nominate again if they meet eligibility rules.

No. All nominations must be submitted online through the nomination portal.

Yes. Award category outlines word limits and attachment requirements, including type and file size limits.

On successful completion of your nomination, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

After nominations close, judging panels assess nominations and shortlist candidates for interviews.

You can read more about the judging and interview process.

Judges review nominations against set criteria and conduct interviews with shortlisted nominees.

Learn more about the judging and interview process.

All nominations are assessed by a judging panel and shortlisted nominees will be interviewed by phone or online in May 2026.

Winners are announced at the regional and state final ceremonies.

Yes. Please email qldtrainingawards@desbt.qld.gov.au before 30 September of the nomination year.

Include:

• your full name
• contact details
• award category
• region, if relevant.

Regional winners automatically progress to the state finals, held in Brisbane.

Winners and finalists act as ambassadors for the Queensland vocational education and training system. They may receive media attention as a result of the post-award promotional campaign.

The Queensland Government may use photographs and non-confidential information from nominations in promotional activities, in line with the conditions of entry.

Yes, for eligible categories.

Queensland winners may progress to the Australian Training Awards, held in November/December. Some categories are direct entry, while others advance through state awards. Visit Australian Training Awards for further information on direct-entry categories.