Queensland Training Awards
Judging for the Queensland Training Awards is coordinated by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
Judging panels are formed for each category, comprised of departmental staff and representatives from business, industry and sponsors, as well as past winners.
Panels first shortlist then interview shortlisted applicants.
All shortlisted nominees must be available for an online judging interview during the judging period.
2026 interview period: 27 April – 1 May 2026 (dates may change)
Interviews are scheduled for one day only in this period. Shortlisted nominees are advised of specific interview dates and details in advance.
Nominees must advise the QTA team of any known unavailability in advance. Failure to do so by the advised date (typically 15 April) may affect progression.
Regional categories
(Individual, employer and community-based training initiative awards)
Judging panels will recommend finalists and winners for each region, based on written submissions and online interviews.
First, panels shortlist up to 5 nominees for interview. Up to 3 regional finalists are then selected per category to attend each final in July, where regional winners are announced.
Regional winners are automatically selected as state finalists and compete for a state award.
State winners are announced at the State Gala Dinner in September.
State direct entry categories
(Training provider and Industry Collaboration awards)
Judging panels will shortlist up to 5 nominees for interview, from which 3 finalists—including the winner—is determined.
Winners in these award categories are announced at the State Gala Dinner in September each year, with finalists notified ahead of the event.
Australian Training Awards
National judging is coordinated for the Australian Training Awards by the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Queensland winners from the individual categories (except for the Equity Student of the Year award, which is a Queensland-only award) progress as finalists for the national awards and do not need to complete a new nomination. They will all attend the Australian Training Awards ceremony.
Queensland winners from the organisational categories (except for the Community Training Initiative of the Year award, which is a Queensland-only award) are also nominees for an aligned national award category, however, only the top 3 shortlisted national finalists from around Australia will attend the Australian Training Awards ceremony.
Further awards’ judging, interview and progression information is available in the conditions of entry.
Last updated 14 January 2026
