2025 AEN finalists announced.

Zeal Futures is proud to announce that seven of our apprentices, trainees, host employers, and programs have been named finalists in the prestigious 2025 Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) NSW & ACT Awards.

These awards celebrate excellence in vocational education and training, recognising the achievements of outstanding individuals and organisations across New South Wales and the ACT.

Our finalists represent the dedication, skill, and resilience that make apprenticeships and traineeships a powerful pathway to successful and rewarding careers:

• Apprentice of the Year: Kieran Moss – Engineering Mechanical, hosted to NCIG
• First Nations Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Abbey Shannon – Customer Engagement, hosted to Service NSW
• Women in Trades Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Kasey Lewis – Electrotechnology, hosted to Origin Energy
• Inclusion Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Shaani Monson – Mobile Plant Technology, hosted to Maules Creek Coal
• School-Based Trainee/Apprentice of the Year: Dejan Manev – Mobile Plant, hosted to South Coast Equipment
• Large Host Employer of the Year: Shoalhaven City Council
• Excellence in Group Training: Zeal Futures/Department of Education

Being named a finalist is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and support shown by apprentices, trainees, employers, and training providers alike.

We congratulate all our finalists and look forward to celebrating their success at the awards ceremony next month.

Click here for more information about the awards.