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Industry and Community CIT Students and Educators awarded across four categories at 2025 ACT Training Awards
Published: 15 Sep 2025
The Canberra Institute of Technology, our students, and our teachers have been recognised for excellence in vocational education and training at the 2025 ACT Training Awards overnight, receiving four awards across key categories.
CIT was awarded across the following categories:
- Large Training Provider of the Year – Canberra Institute of Technology
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Laura Henry
- ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year –Jaharn Mundy-Drazevich
- ACT Apprentice of the Year – Stewart McLeod
Our CEO, Dr Margot McNeill, said the awards reflect the outstanding talent, dedication, and impact of our educators, students, and industry partners.
“These awards are a testament to the people who make CIT exceptional, our dedicated and professional educators, our hardworking students, and our committed industry partners,” Dr McNeill said.
“They show the transformative power of vocational education to shape careers, strengthen our workforce, and drive opportunity across Canberra. I am incredibly proud of every individual and team recognised tonight.”
Laura Henry, CIT Laboratory Sciences teacher, named ACT VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, said the recognition was both unexpected and humbling.
"I'm shocked, honoured and so grateful. I didn't expect this to happen at all, and I still can't believe it," Ms Henry said.
She said the award gave her a stronger platform to continue her advocacy for women in STEM.
"I'm such a passionate advocate for women in STEM and for women having every opportunity available to them, regardless of industry or barriers. I'm really excited about the opportunities ahead, to advocate for STEM, for TAFE, and for vocational education, and I just want to encourage everyone to grab every opportunity with both hands."
In addition to the winners, CIT congratulates its 2025 finalists:
- ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Brandon Davidson, Raymond James Dungay, Caitlin Bramston, Louisa Vanderpluym
- ACT VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year – Harpreet Jaura, Laura Henry, Vanessa Friedman, Imran Khan
- ACT Trainee of the Year – Jennifer McInerney
- ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year – Louise Simpson, Kai Buchanan, Tali Adams
- ACT Apprentice of the Year – James McIntyre, Stewart McLeod, Hikmat Ismail Berjaoui
The ACT Training Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Territory’s vocational education and training sector, with the 2025 ceremony drawing a large audience at the National Arboretum.
