Zeal Futures Excellence Awards.

The spotlight was on vocational education and training (VET) at the 2025 Zeal Futures Excellence Awards.

Held last Friday night in Newcastle, the awards celebrated the achievements of the company’s best apprentices, trainees, students and businesses from across the state. 

2025 Award Winners

Apprentice of the year: Matthew Mullen
Trainee of the year: Rebecca Pizarro
Student of the year: Jakob Fitzclarence
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Abbey Shannon
Woman in Non-Traditional Trade Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Kasey Lewis
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Dejan Manev
Adversity Champion: Zaafira Khan
Milton Morris Encouragement Award: Charlotte McDonald
Host Innovation Award: Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group
Host Employer Safety Award: Sydney Airport Corporation
Small/Medium Host Employer of the Year: Buckley's Plant Maintenance
Large Host Employer of the Year: Service NSW
Overall Host Employer of the Year: Shoalhaven City Council
Employee of the Year: Karen Eveleigh

Apprentice of the Year winner, Matthew Mullen, initally commenced mechanical engineering studies at university, but decided to pursue a more hands-on pathway, leading him to complete an Engineering Mechanical apprenticeship.

Since completing his trade, Matt has also completed a Certificate IV in Fluid Power and continues to work at Origin Energy's Eraring Power Station as a mechanical fitter.

Matt was also selected to be a part of the coveted Today’s Skills: Tomorrow’s Leaders Program in Canberra last year among the top apprentices and trainees in the country.

“I started my apprenticeship with a clear idea of where I wanted to go, and I’ve deliberately shaped my journey to become the tradesman I am today," he said.

“The great thing about this apprenticeship is that you get out what you put in. If you’re willing to do the hard yards and really engage with the experience, the rewards go far beyond just skills — it shapes your character and can even lead to greater financial opportunities."

Trainee of the Year winner, Rebecca Pizarro, initially worked in payroll for several years before deciding to take the plunge into a new career through the Department of Education IT Traineeship Program.

During the program, Rebecca completed a Cert IV IT traineeship with Zeal Futures and Inner West Council, excelling in both her work and studies. This led to Rebecca being offered a permanent position as an Applications Support Officer at Inner West Council prior to the completion of her traineeship.

Rebecca has also been named a finalist for Trainee of the Year in the Sydney Region at the State Training Awards, to be announced on Friday 20^th June.

“A traineeship is such a boost to the beginning of your career; it gives you flexibility to work and study, and you get to rotate around different departments to experience working in other areas or roles," she said.

“Starting a new job can be very daunting, but a traineeship allows you to test the waters, go at your own pace, and learn from other people while you complete your studies.

“I wish I knew about opportunities like this when I left school. It’s hard to commit to another 3 or 4 years of study at university when you’re not sure what it’s like to work in that role, so I think more people should consider doing a traineeship.”

Zeal Futures CEO Sharon Smith congratulated Matthew, Rebecca and all this year's winners and finalists.

“At Zeal Futures, we create success stories, and the calibre of this year’s winners is proof of that,” she said.

“Vocational education and training pathways like apprenticeships and traineeships give people access to hands-on learning for real jobs.

“As technology advances and markets continue to shift, different skills will be in demand. Apprenticeships and traineeships will ensure we have a skilled workforce that is ready for tomorrow."

For more information about the awards, click here.