Western NSW Regional Training Awards. ▪ Photo contributed
Essential Energy’s mature-age apprentice, Daniel Stephens has been named as Apprentice of the Year at the recent vocational education and training (VET) 2025 Western NSW Regional Training Awards.
The awards celebrate the success of local VET learners and teachers who have made outstanding contributions to their workplaces and industries.
Taking out the Apprentice of the Year category, Daniel is being celebrated for his unwavering commitment to training, exceptionally high standard of work and mentorship, all the while balancing family life.
As a mature-age apprentice at Essential Energy, Daniel applies his years of experience to his role in the powerline industry, allowing him to take on significant responsibilities across a vast desert footprint.
Daniel said he found the powerline industry offered a challenging work environment.
“I was drawn to the vital role it plays in maintaining and restoring electricity for communities.
“Vocational Education and Training was the ideal pathway for me because it provided structured, hands-on learning from industry professionals while allowing me to develop practical skills in real-world scenarios.
“Essential Energy’s Registered Training Organisation delivered job-specific training with flexibility in workplace assessments, which helped me balance work, study, and family commitments,” he said.
“As a mature-age apprentice with a young family, I wanted to establish financial stability before fully committing to an apprenticeship, ensuring I could dedicate myself completely to training and development.”
“The Training Awards support the NSW Government’s efforts to address skills shortages by spotlighting excellence in VET.
The winners will go on to represent the Western NSW community in their respective categories as they are considered for the 2025 NSW Training Awards in September.
Presented by Department of Education’s Training Services, the NSW Training Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector, with this year marking the 70th anniversary for the awards.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said the finalists and winners from this year’s awards represent the premier VET talent in the region.
“Having a thriving and robust VET sector generates ripples in the local community with investment into spaces like healthcare, infrastructure, education and the economy,” Minister Whan said.
Local member for Barwon, Roy Butler, praised Daniel Stephens (or Stevo as he’s known in Cobar), for winning the 2025 Western NSW Regional Training Awards Apprentice of the Year.
“Stevo is not only being acknowledged for his exceptionally high standards and commitment to his apprenticeship, but also for managing a busy personal life alongside a demanding work life.
“He is universally respected by his colleagues and the wider community, and is known as an all-around good bloke, involved in the local footy club and pony club.
“The award is well-deserved.”
