Yesterday saw the launch of the New England Regional Training Awards.

The awards were launched at the Country Energy headquarters with a focus on beating last year’s record number of nominees and to announce two new local award categories to the list.

The awards dinner will be held on July 2 and is organised by the Greater Northern Skills Development Group with State Training Services.

Award categories include apprentice of the year, school-based apprentice of the year, vocational student of the year, vocational school student of the year, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the year and VET in schools excellence award.

Group sub committee chairman Peter Rickard said more than 530 people attended last year’s event with 75 finalists in six major categories.

He said organisers were looking forward to the event.

“The awards recognise the excellence of the New England and North West region,” he said.

“They celebrate the success of vocational education and training, apprentices and trainees, assessors, trainers and employers.”

More information and forms can be obtained by visiting www.greater

northernskillsdevel opment.com.au