Australia’s most talented apprentices, trainees, VET students, skills and training teachers, businesses, and training providers were honoured at the 2015 Australian Training Awards in Hobart tonight.

Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Luke Hartsuyker, said the strong field of finalists showed what can be achieved with vocational education and training (VET).

“Australia is truly a learning nation, with nearly four million Australians participating in VET study last year,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

“All the award finalists have achieved amazing things thanks to VET, and are helping build a highly skilled workforce to help our nation remain competitive into the future.”

Young electrician Jared Stone from Karrinyup, Perth, was named the best apprentice in Australia for his outstanding achievements in his Australian Apprenticeship.

The Employer of the Year was Crown Perth, also from Western Australia. Crown Perth was recognised for their outstanding results in offering a wide range of nationally recognised qualifications from retail operations to hospitality.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Peter Henneken AM for his enormous contribution to vocational education and training.

“For more than 40 years, Peter has worked to strengthen Queensland’s training system, and our national training system, and I thank him for his dedication,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

The Australian Training Awards — the peak national awards for the vocational education and training system in Australia — are held each year in November.

Find out the individual winner categories for 2015 by visiting Australian Training Awards.