A Coffs Coast student has been crowned the best in the state at what she does, with a shot at the national title now on the cards.
Kiara Watts, who studied a Certificate III in Individual Support through Coffs Coast Community College while working at Pillars of Care, has won the Vocational Student of the Year category at the 2026 NSW Training Awards.
She was among a handful of winners named at the 71st NSW Training Awards, held to celebrate excellence in vocational education and training across the state. The results underscored the growing role of VET in tackling workforce shortages in industries including care services, agriculture, housing, construction and local government.
Regional NSW swept every individual category at this year’s awards.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the result was no accident.
“I am incredibly proud to see the outstanding talent emerging from our regional and rural communities at this year’s NSW Training Awards,” Minister Whan said.
“It’s no coincidence that regional NSW dominated this year’s awards.”
“From agriculture and construction to community services, local government and the trades, regional communities are helping deliver the skilled workers our economy depends on.”
Minister Whan said the state government was continuing to back the sector with major funding.
“For too long there was a view that success only came through a university degree.”
“The Minns Labor Government is backing skills, training and TAFE with a record $3.46 billion investment in the 2026-27 Budget because we know there are many pathways to a rewarding career, and VET is opening doors to secure jobs while helping tackle skills shortages in the industries that keep NSW moving.”
Ms Watts is one of six individual category winners who will go on to represent NSW at the 2026 Australian Training Awards in November.
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