Apprentices, students, teachers, employers, training providers and Learn Locals can now nominate for the 66^th Victorian Training Awards.

Minister for Training and Skills and for Higher Education Gayle Tierney opened nominations for the awards, which recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals, organisations, employers, and training and community providers in the Victorian TAFE and training sector.

There are 16 award categories – six for individuals, four for industry employers and four for training and community organisations, as well as an Industry Collaboration Award and the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Last year, the Royal Children’s Hospital and Holmesglen Institute were the successful recipients of the Industry Collaboration Award in both the Victorian Training Awards and the Australian National Awards.

Their collaboration created a pathway to employment for young people with disability and demonstrated how barriers can be overcome through the effective partnering of education with industry.

Winners will be announced at the Victorian Training Awards gala ceremony on 18 September, with winners receiving $5,000 in prize money.

Some winners will also get the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards in Melbourne in November.

To nominate for the 2020 Victorian Training Awards visit vta.awardsplatform.com. Applications close at midnight on 5 June.