SuniTAFE is celebrating the success of Swan Hill campus apprentice Georgia Baxter and Mildura school-based apprentice Ethan Phillips who have been announced as finalists for the 2026 Victorian Training Awards.

The annual awards are the largest celebration of Vocational Education and Training excellence in Victoria.

Horsham local Georgia Baxter is a finalist for Apprentice of the Year, making this the second consecutive year that a SuniTAFE apprentice has been selected as a finalist in this category.

Georgia completed her agricultural mechanical technology apprenticeship in 2025 and has returned this year to complete her dual qualification in automotive electrical technology.

Ethan Phillips has been selected as a finalist in this year’s School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year category, building on his previous success at the Master Builders Victoria awards.

He is currently completing his Carpentry training while finishing secondary school with the support of Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships.

As finalists, Georgia and Ethan will represent SuniTAFE’s Mildura and Swan Hill campuses at the Victorian Training Awards gala in Melbourne in September.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington is proud to see both apprentices recognised for their hard work and skill level.

"It is fantastic to see the hard work of our students recognised in their selection as finalists this year," he said. 

"It is also a great reflection on our teachers for their dedication to developing talent and inspiring effort.

"I look forward to joining them both in Melbourne for the awards and congratulate both their employers and supporters as significant contributors to the students’ success. These nominations recognise that effort at all levels of their student and employee journey."