Large Employer of the Year

Ausgrid is the largest electricity distributor on Australia's east coast, delivering safe and reliable power to over 4 million customers across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter regions. With a workforce of more than 3,000 employees, Ausgrid plays a critical role in maintaining and evolving energy infrastructure to support homes, businesses and communities.
A key driver of this capability is the Bright Spark Apprentice Program, which provides high-quality, on-the-job training supported by a strong development framework. Apprentices benefit from dedicated Apprentice Development Officers, Development Days and tailored Trade Skill weeks, alongside structured rotations and hands-on field experience. Innovative initiatives, and further enhancements of practical skills building confidence and strong safety behaviours while supporting apprentices to succeed both technically and personally.
Ausgrid’s commitment to safety, innovation and training ensures its people are well equipped to meet future energy challenges, while fostering a skilled workforce that underpins long-term operational success.

Hunter New England Local Health District provides public health services across the Hunter, New England, and Lower Mid North Coast regions, supporting metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities across a vast geographical area.
Since 2007, Hunter New England Local Health District has offered Nursing School-based Traineeships, commencing with seven students across five facilities. The program has grown significantly and now supports 220 students across 27 facilities. The organisation also delivers Administration School-based Traineeships, creating meaningful career pathways for secondary students while they complete their senior studies.
These programs combine vocational education with supported workplace learning in local hospitals, health facilities, and administrative settings, helping students develop foundational skills, professional confidence, and a strong understanding of the health sector.
Delivered in partnership with schools, TAFE NSW, clinical teams, administrative staff, Aboriginal support services and local facility managers, the programs support students to remain connected to their communities while progressing towards future employment and further study pathways.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) serves one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional communities, delivering essential services through a diverse workforce of approximately 740 employees across operational, technical, professional and leadership roles.
At PMHC, learning and development is a strategic priority, delivered through a combination of vocational education, leadership development, and role-specific capability building aligned with workforce needs and operational requirements. PMHC's approach provides a structured and scalable training framework that supports employees at every stage of their careers, from entry-level pathways through to strategic leadership.
PMHC works closely with RTOs, industry bodies and sector partners to ensure training is relevant, practical and directly applicable to employees’ roles. Through integrated workforce planning, strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous learning, PMHC has built a sustainable workforce equipped with the skills and capability to meet the evolving needs of its growing community.