At Entry Education, we understand the importance of high-quality vocational education and training. Not only do students need to gain theoretical knowledge, but they need to be able to put their skills in place in real world situations. It is through VET, that Australia can continue to grow its skilled workforce, with employees who are actually prepared for the day-to-day operations and expectations of their chosen industry.
Recognising the people who make this possible is an important part of strengthening Australia’s VET sector. The NSW Training Awards celebrate the teachers, students, training providers and employers who excel in vocational education and training. It is a great initiative to recognise those whose efforts can sometimes fly under the radar, especially teachers and trainers, who are the backbone of the Australian workforce.
On Friday, the 29th of May, the regional NSW Training Awards were held in Shoalhaven to honour the nominees and announce the winners of each section, who would then go on to be nominated in the NSW statewide training awards.
Entry Education Trainer and Assessor, Rouaa Altinawi, was nominated alongside other dedicated teachers and trainers. Rouaa, along with Entry Education COO Jenny Rushton, sat in the crowd on Friday night awaiting the results of the VET Trainer/Teacher of the year for the Illawarra region. When it was announced that Rouaa had won, no one at Entry Education was surprised. We were proud and excited for Rouaa, but after working alongside her for the past two and a half years, it was evident that she deserved this award. Her commitment to quality training and passion for teaching has made a significant impact across the organisation.
Since joining Entry Education in 2024, Rouaa has fostered a culture of support and inclusivity among her student cohorts.
Rouaa approaches training, not as a job that must be completed, but as an opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives. She is hands on and goes above and beyond to support her students, making sure they not only have the necessary knowledge and skills, but that they feel confident to enter the workplace in a day-to-day setting and thrive.
“My approach is grounded in a strong commitment to high-quality vocational education and the development of job ready professionals” – Rouaa Altinawi
In VET education, skills and knowledge are essential, but often it is confidence that stops people taking the next leap and entering the workforce. Having a trainer who truly believes in you can make all the difference. This is something Rouaa’s students experience in every training session and every interaction.
“I was so lucky to have Rouaa as my trainer while completing my Cert IV Traineeship…Nothing ever felt like too much trouble, and her support made such a difference through the whole process…” – Entry Education graduate.
Not only does Rouaa excel at training her students, but she actively works in the backend to support her colleagues and lifts up everyone around her. Whether it’s sharing practical resources or providing guidance, her ambition and dedication support a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration amongst our training team.
“This award is a reflection of Rouaa’s consistency and passion for training. She is a true asset to our training team and someone I can always count on” – Mal Younes, Entry Education (Training GM)
Whilst Rouaa trains students of all backgrounds, a big focus point for her is on our NSW Trainees, who undertake training in the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, subsidised by the NSW Government. These are students who are new to industry, working in real estate agencies day to day, whilst studying to progress their career to the next level. “Many of these learners are balancing full-time employment or entering both the industry and formal study for the first time. Providing flexible, personalised and consistent support significantly improves learner confidence, retention and assessment outcomes across these cohorts”, says Rouaa.
As the regional winner in Illawarra, Rouaa will now progress to the 2026 NSW Training Awards State Final at the end of August, where she will join other outstanding trainers from across NSW. We thank Rouaa for her dedication to her students and our organisation and wish her every ounce of success in this next stage. Congratulations Rouaa!
