General News
26 September, 2026
Major training award for TAFE
SOUTH West TAFE has taken out the state’s major training award for the second time in six years.
The Warrnambool-based facility has confirmed its status as one of the state’s most respected vocational education and training providers.
The facility was named the 2026 Large Training Provider of the Year winner at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards presentation evening last Friday.
It will now compete for the national award, which will be announced in Sydney on November 20.
CEO Mark Fidge said the win was a reflection of the team’s commitment to students, industry and the community.
“It was unexpected but really pleasing,” Mr Fidge said.
“One of the things that sets us apart is having one team across the whole organisation working closely together.
“We understand what our students and industry partners are looking for and make sure we have a good staff experience. As a result of that, the culture of the organisation is positive and supportive.”
Mr Fidge said SWTAFE had been consistently at or near the top in the state’s staff, student and employer rankings.
“That consistency helps,” he said.
“We feel like we are more than just a TAFE; that we are an important part of the community and how we support and represent the community stands out as a point of difference for us.”
Mr Fidge said SWTAFE was continuing to innovate and introduce new facilities to improve the student experience and get better outcomes for employers and the community.
SWTAFE won ahead of finalists Chisholm Institute and NECA Education and Careers.
In the awards announcement, SWTAFE was described as delivering accessible, high-quality education aligned to the Victorian Skills Plan.
“SWTAFE works closely with more than 300 employers and 26 schools to address workforce shortages in aged care, disability, early childhood education, agriculture, First Nations communities and skilled trades,” the awards announcement stated.
“Continuous improvement is embedded across the organisation, driving innovation and stronger outcomes for students, industry and staff. This commitment has contributed to SWTAFE consistently ranking among Victoria’s highest-performing TAFEs for student and employer satisfaction.
“Current results include Victoria’s second-highest student satisfaction rate, a completion rate of 63.2 per cent compared with the state average of 50.2 per cent, and 88.3 per cent of graduates employed or undertaking further study.
“Equity, access and inclusion are central to SWTAFE’s approach, with wrap-around support delivering strong outcomes for priority learner cohorts. More than just a TAFE, SWTAFE provides a lifetime of opportunity, strengthening communities and regional prosperity for all.”
The award is based on South West TAFE’s 2025 performance where 430 staff supported more than 7,000 students, resulting in about 4,600 job outcomes that deliver on the region’s skills needs.
South West TAFE is the number one VET provider in the region, with 67 per cent market share.
The Australian Training Awards are the peak national awards that showcase best practice in vocational education and training (VET).
The awards recognise and celebrate excellence and are an important mechanism for promoting the benefits of VET and respect for skill-cased careers and skills excellence.
