2026 AEN SA Host Employer of the Year

The AEN SA Host Employer of the Year Award recognises a South Australian host employer that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to employing, developing and supporting apprentices and trainees engaged through an Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) Member Group Training Organisation (GTO).

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The award celebrates host employers who have created an inclusive, safe and supportive workplace, invested in the development of apprentices and trainees, worked collaboratively with their GTO partner and demonstrated excellence in contributing to successful training and employment outcomes.

You must:

Be a South Australian employer currently hosting one or more apprentices and/or trainees through a current AEN SA Member Group Training Organisation.
Have hosted apprentices and/or trainees through an AEN SA Member GTO during the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Continue to be actively engaged as a host employer with an AEN SA Member GTO at the time nominations close.
Demonstrate a commitment to supporting apprentices and trainees regardless of trade, vocation or year level.
Demonstrate compliance with all relevant workplace health and safety and employment obligations.

The nomination must include a letter of support from the nominee’s current AEN SA Member Group Training Organisation confirming:

the organisation is a current host employer of the GTO;
the period of engagement with the GTO;
the apprentices and/or trainees hosted during the eligibility period; and
the GTO’s endorsement of the nomination.

In assessing nominations, the judging panel will consider evidence of:

Outstanding commitment to apprentices and trainees.
Strong collaboration with an AEN SA Member Group Training Organisation.
Quality workplace supervision and mentoring.
Demonstrated investment in workforce development.
Workplace health and safety leadership.
Positive apprentice and trainee outcomes, including retention and completions.
Innovation, continuous improvement and industry leadership.
The overall impact the organisation has made in supporting the South Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system through the Group Training model.

Nomination Form

Your Details

First Name *

Last Name *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Group Training Organisation *

Section A: Organisation Overview

Provide a brief overview of your organisation, including:

your core business and industry
number of employees
how long you have partnered with your AEN SA member Group Training Organisation
why your organisation chooses to employ apprentices and trainees through the Group Training model.

Organisation Overview *Note: This information will not be considered or used for judging purposes, but it may be used as your summary throughout the Awards process.0 / 300

Section B: Selection CriteriaThe Host Employer of the Year Award recognises employers that demonstrate leadership, commitment and excellence in developing apprentices and trainees through the Group Training model. Nominees will be assessed against the following criteria:

Criterion 1: Commitment to Apprentice and Trainee Development

Describe how your organisation has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to developing apprentices and trainees.

Consider:

Your philosophy towards employing apprentices and trainees
Providing meaningful workplace learning opportunities
Exposing apprentices and trainees to a broad range of work experiences
Supporting apprentices and trainees across all stages of their training
Investment in skills development and career pathways
Initiatives that encourage successful completion of training.

The assessment will consider how the organisation has created an environment where apprentices and trainees can develop the skills, confidence and experience required for long-term career success.

Criterion 1 Answer: *0 / 400

Criterion 2: Excellence in Partnership with Your Group Training Organisation

Demonstrate how your organisation has developed a strong and collaborative partnership with your AEN SA Member Group Training Organisation.

Consider:

Maintaining regular communication with your GTO
Working collaboratively to support apprentice and trainee wellbeing
Proactive management of workplace issues
Participation in performance reviews and development planning
Supporting workplace monitoring and mentoring activities
Demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness when challenges arise
Contributing to positive employment and completion outcomes

The assessment will focus on how the partnership between the host employer, and the Group Training Organisation has contributed to successful apprenticeship and traineeship outcomes.

Criterion 2 Answer: *0 / 400

Criterion 3: Workplace Culture, Safety and Support

Describe how your organisation provides a workplace that enables apprentices and trainees to thrive.

Consider:

Creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture
Workplace health and safety leadership
Quality induction and onboarding practices
Mentoring and supervision arrangements
Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
Recognising and celebrating apprentice and trainee achievements
Promoting wellbeing and psychological safety

The assessment will consider how the organisation provides a safe, supportive and engaging workplace that encourages apprentices and trainees to remain in employment and complete their qualification.

Criterion 3 Answer: *0 / 400

Criterion 4: Innovation and Industry Leadership

Provide examples of initiatives that demonstrate innovation or leadership in supporting apprentices and trainees.

You may wish to include:

Innovative workplace learning approaches
Adoption of new technologies or work practices
Initiatives that improve apprentice or trainee engagement
Community or industry involvement
Promoting apprenticeships and traineeships within your industry
Encouraging diversity in recruitment
Continuous improvement initiatives
Measurable outcomes achieved through your approach

The assessment will consider how the organisation has demonstrated leadership and innovation while contributing to the broader success of apprenticeships and traineeships within South Australia.

Criterion 4 Answer: *0 / 400

Section C: Attachments

Please upload up to five single A4 page attachments (e.g .jpg, .png, or .pdf). Please include one document per page, at a 100 percent ratio.

You must include:

Letter from your current AEN SA Member Group Training Organisation confirming eligibility and supporting the nomination.

Optional to include:

Letters of support or testimonials
Workplace photographs
Examples of apprentice or trainee development initiatives
WHS, quality or industry awards
Staff development programs
Apprentice or trainee success stories
Media articles or case studies
Other supporting evidence relevant to the nomination

Upload Files *

2026 AEN SA Host Employer of the Year

Eligibility Criteria

Evidence Required

Judging Considerations

Nomination Form