PEER’s annual Graduation & Awards Night brought together apprentices, trainees, learners, their families, industry leaders and special guests at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 20 March, celebrating a year of achievement across South Australia’s training sector.
With a red-carpet theme and hosted by Rebecca Morse, the evening combined recognition with entertainment, including a one-night-only Adelaide performance from TikTok star and comedian Blake Pavey.
The event was attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia; the Honourable Blair Boyer MP; South Australian Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker; and Rear Admiral David Mann AM CSC RAN, highlighting the importance of skills and training to the state’s future workforce.
A standout moment of the evening was the recognition of graduates completing their apprenticeships and traineeships, marking the transition from training into industry. This year also marked a significant milestone, with PEER celebrating the inaugural South Australian graduates of the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP), reinforcing its growing role in supporting workforce pathways into defence.
Award winners on the night reflected excellence across trades, training and industry contribution:
- Electrical Student of the Year: Ryan Plumb
- Plumbing Student of the Year: Nathan Ford
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Student of the Year: Callum Malson
- 1st Year Apprentice of the Year: Blossom Izard
- 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year: Bailey Domanski
- 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year: Kai Wilson
- 4th Year Apprentice of the Year: Tessa Danis
- Trainee of the Year: Alanna Boyd
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Electrical: Rosemary Rutkowski
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Plumbing: Lucas Thornley
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Engineering: Harrison Russell
- Outstanding Contribution to VET in Schools: Rachael Savage
- Host Employer of the Year: Westside Group
- Alex Rath Commitment to Safety: Aidan Coleman
- Alumni Excellence: Scott McCabe
Proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor Mas National, the night also recognised the vital role of employers, trainers and partners who help shape the next generation of skilled workers.
Congratulations to all graduates, finalists and award winners on their outstanding achievements, and thank you to the PEER team for delivering another exceptional event.
Thank you also to our sponsors for their support in making the event possible.
2026 Sponsors
- Mas National
- Voltex
- Milwaukee
- Apprenticeship Support Australia
- HomeStart
- Bianco
- SA Portable Long Service Leave
- Paramount Safety
- Beyond Bank
- Babcock
- Triple M
- MPASA
- TWW
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Electrical – CITB
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Plumbing – Reece
- VET in Schools Student of the Year – Engineering – St Patrick’s
- Technical College
- Outstanding Contribution to VET in Schools – Makita
- Plumbing Student of the Year – MPASA
- Electrical Student of the Year – NECA
- Refrigeration Student of the Year – RACCA
- 1st Year Apprentice of the Year – SYC
- 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year – Datacord
- 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year – Snap Hilton
- 4th Year Apprentice of the Year – Apprenticeship Support Australia
- Trainee of the Year – Alliance SA
- Alex Rath Commitment to Safety – CEPU
- Host Employer of the Year – Total Tools
- Alumni Excellence – HomeStart
