Meet the 2026 NSW Training Awards

Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors are a team of exceptional NSW Training Awards winners and finalists who together, highlight the opportunities, pathways and benefits offered in VET.

They attend schools, award shows and career expos sharing their VET journey, helping spread the word about VET and the success that comes with it.

Samantha Zannes

2024 Vocational Student of the Year

2024 Australian Vocational Student of the Year Runner up

Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Trained by
ECTARC

Employed by
Jenny's Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre – Bathurst

Region
Western NSW Region

  • Samantha Zannes is championing success for students with diverse needs, and she’s used VET to support her career trajectory. Initially trained as a Primary School Special Education Teacher, Samantha took time away to raise her own children. After a 10-year hiatus, she was ready to return to the profession but wanted to connect with an approach that mirrored her personal education philosophy. Samantha knew the importance of early intervention for students with additional needs and therefore set her focus on obtaining a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. From here, Samantha moved into the role of Assistant Director and Educational Leader at an early learning centre. Off the back of her win at the 2024 NSW Training Awards and being awarded Runner Up at the 2024 Australian Training Awards, Samantha has continued her growth. She is now working part time at Kelso Public School and completing her Certificate IV in Training & Assessment so she can support the next generation of educators.

Gabby Ward

2024 VET in Schools Student of the Year

Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Trained by
TAFE NSW

School
Peel High School

Region
New England Region

  • You’d be forgiven for thinking Gabriella Ward is older than her 18 years, her achievements are impressive and her commitment to forging a path is unmatched. Since finishing Year 12 (complete with an ATAR), taking out the title of 2024 VET in Schools Student of the Year, and becoming a VET Ambassador, Gabby knows she has an exciting future ahead.

    Now, while working in an older persons’ mental health unit in Tamworth Hospital, Gabby is weighing up several options on where to complete her Bachelors in Nursing. Never one to settle for downtime, Gabby also makes time to visit high schools as a VET Ambassador so she can talk to students, parents, and community members about VET pathways. She is fast becoming a standout representative for the endless opportunities that VET can provide in NSW, and she’s set herself up for a long and successful career in health.

Dascha Harrison

2024 School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

2024 Australian School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Runner up

Qualification
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Hunter New England Local Health District

School
Newcastle High School

Region
Hunter & Central Coast Region

  • Dascha Harrison is committed to making a difference in the health industry and, since her win at the 2024 NSW Training Awards, she has already achieved some huge wins in her career. Dascha’s own experiences as a teenager receiving holistic care are what set her on the path to become a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, and her VET pathway gave her a huge head start in the field. These days, Dascha is busy working at a residential eating disorder centre and helping to design programs for patients, studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Newcastle, and doing support work for clients with traumatic brain injuries. Dascha is well and truly making headway towards her dream career and modelling success for other young people while she’s at it.

    Keep an eye on her as she continues to reach bigger and better milestones in the health industry.

Bridie Searle

2023 NSW Trainee of the Year

2023 Australian Trainee of the Year

MC Ambassador

  • In 2022, Bridie Searle had never been on a ship. Her traineeship has allowed her to step up and manage million-dollar maritime projects. Bridie has worked on Destroyers, guided missiles and even flexed her skills as a crane co-ordinator; a testament to her dedication, enthusiasm and people skills.

    Now with the title of 2023 Australian Trainee of the Year, Bridie is a VET Ambassador in NSW, and set herself up a business delivering life skills to secondary students across the nation.

Nathan Turner

2022 Central & Northern Sydney VET in Schools Student of the Year Winner

MC Ambassador

  • Dedicated to turning his dream of working at Taronga Zoo into reality, International Grammar School student, Nathan, embarked on VET qualification while still in school. Studying a Certificate III in Tourism, Travel & Events with TAFE NSW, while completing an internship with Taronga Zoo, Nathan expanded his skills, experience and confidence, and becoming involved in meaningful conservation initiatives.

    Since graduating and claiming the title of 2022 VET in Schools Student of the Year for Central & Northern Sydney, Nate has established himself as an irreplaceable member of the Taronga Zoo team. Nate also goes out of his way to share his passion for zookeeping and tourism with secondary students in NSW as a VET Ambassador.