5 August 2026
We’re excited to announce that four outstanding North Metropolitan TAFE (NMTAFE) students and one trainer have been selected as finalists in the 2026 WA Training Awards!
Each year, the WA Training Awards celebrate the individuals, employers and organisations driving excellence in vocational education and training (VET) while showcasing future leaders whose achievements help inspire others to pursue VET pathways.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 10th September, and individual category winners will receive a $3,000 cash prize.
A huge congratulations to our NMTAFE finalists, we wish you all the best on this exciting awards journey!
Yvette Vos - WA Trainer of the Year
With a physiotherapy degree from South Africa and 16 years of experience spanning across the UK, Australia and her home country, Yvette has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to developing skilled, job-ready Allied Health Assistants through her work in allied health and education. Yvette has extensive clinical experience across public, private and community healthcare settings, which enables her to deliver industry-aligned training that responds to evolving workforce needs. She has contributed to major qualification updates and works closely with industry partners to create practical pathways that support student success and strengthen the healthcare sector.
Odette Spies - WA International Student of the Year
Originally from the Netherlands, Odette previously worked as a chef but found an unexpected passion for patisserie. With a graphic design background, Odette found a natural connection between visual creativity and pastry work where presentation and detail were just as important as taste. She soon realised she needed to strengthen her technical skills and take on formal training at TAFE where she is committed to developing her skills and building a strong future in the hospitality industry.
Shokooh Rezaei - WA Cultural Diversity Training Award
Leaving Iran was extremely difficult for Shokooh. She left family, friends and a life she had built so that she could build a better future for herself and her family. Having relocated twice through a humanitarian visa pathway, first to Türkiye (formerly Turkey) and then to Australia, she developed remarkable strength and resilience. Starting again was overwhelming, but Shookooh wants to use her lived experience to now help others. She chose to study allied health because she understands the complexities of difficult situations and wants to help people feel understood and supported.
Sasha Wells - WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Supporting young people and guiding them through their learning journey is something Sasha is extremely passionate about. Driven to make a meaningful difference, she chose a career in educational support, believing that education empowers students, creates opportunities and strengthens communities. Her career pathway evolved through previous roles working with Aboriginal people, with each experience reinforcing her commitment to educational support where she believes she can make the biggest difference.
Xavier Adamos - WA Apprentice of the Year
Xavier completed a pre-apprenticeship in engineering (heavy fabrication) and completed a Certificate II in Engineering all while still in high school. From an early age, he knew he thrived in a practical learning environment where problem-solving and technical thinking were required, which is why he says a university pathway was not the right fit for him. Aligned perfectly with Xavier’s strengths, VET has allowed him to develop hands-on skills in a real-world context while establishing a meaningful and sustainable career.