Entry Rules
These Entry Rules explain how nominations for VET Sector Awards are made, what entrants must provide and how entries are handled once submitted. They apply to every nomination lodged through this website and should be read together with the Awards Terms and the Judging Disclaimer. By submitting an entry you confirm that you have read and accepted these rules.
Who can enter
Entry is open Australia-wide to individuals, teams, programs and organisations working in or connected with the vocational education and training sector — including trainers, assessors, managers, chief executives, consultants, compliance specialists, support staff, students, RTOs, TAFEs, employers and industry partners. You may nominate yourself, a colleague, your team or another organisation. Where you nominate someone else, you must have their consent to submit their details.
Categories
The awards program includes individual, organisational and program categories, from Trainer of the Year and Compliance Manager of the Year through to Training Provider of the Year and Innovation in the VET Sector. The full list, with category descriptions, is published on the categories page. You may enter more than one category, but each entry must be submitted separately and address the criteria for that category.
How to enter
All entries are lodged through the online form on the nominate page. Select the category, provide the nominee’s and nominator’s details, and complete the written response addressing the category criteria. You will receive confirmation once your entry is received. Entries lodged by any other means are accepted only where the awards team has agreed in advance.
Evidence standards
Strong entries are specific and verifiable. Claims should be supported by outcomes, examples, data or referee details that the judging panel can rely on. The organiser may contact entrants to verify information, request clarification or ask for supporting material. Information that cannot be substantiated may be disregarded in judging.
Accuracy and honesty
Every statement in an entry must be true, accurate and not misleading at the time of submission. Entries that contain false or misleading information, infringe another person’s rights, disclose confidential information without authority or are otherwise inappropriate may be rejected or disqualified at any stage, including after finalists are announced.
Key dates and late entries
Nominations open in December 2026 and close on 28 February 2027. The awards ceremony is planned for 15 May 2027. You can edit a submitted entry at any time until nominations close. Entries received after the closing date are accepted only at the organiser’s discretion, and any change to published dates will be announced on this website.
Entry is free
There is no entry fee for the VET Sector Awards. No payment is requested or taken through this website at any stage of the nomination process, and no refund arrangements are therefore needed for entries. If anyone requests payment to lodge or advance a nomination, do not pay — report it to the awards team immediately.
How your entry information is used
Entry information is collected to administer the awards: registering the nomination, judging, contacting entrants and, for finalists and winners, publicity as described in the Photography and Media Consent page. Personal information is handled in line with our Privacy Policy. Judging materials are shared with panel members on a confidential basis.
Decisions
Shortlisting, finalist and winner decisions are made by the judging panel through the published process. Decisions are discretionary and final unless a procedural error is identified — see the Judging Disclaimer for how procedural concerns are raised and reviewed. The panel may decline to make an award in a category where entries do not meet the expected standard.
Contact
If you have any questions about this page, contact the awards team by email at info@caqa.com.au, by phone on 1800 266 160, or through our contact page. We aim to respond within one business day (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST).