Zeal Futures is celebrating a night of outstanding achievement after taking home three major honours at the 2025 Apprentice Employment Network (AEN) NSW & ACT Awards, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney last Friday.
The wins recognise Zeal Futures’ commitment to supporting apprentices, trainees,
and host employers across New South Wales, as well as the life-changing opportunities created through vocational education and training (VET).
Alongside local business Zeal Futures was John Finefeuiaki from Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices who won the Pooley Downing Award.
Shoalhaven City Council won the Large Host Employer of the Year Award in recognition of their long-standing commitment to local training and employment pathways.
Over the course of the partnership between Zeal Futures and Council, which spans more than 30 years, more than 350 apprentices and trainees have completed their qualifications, with a large proportion moving into permanent roles within Council.
Hunter-based Kasey Lewis won the Women in Trades Trainee/Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of her determination, enthusiasm and ambassadorship for women in trades. Beginning her career in graphic design, Kasey found her true calling in the electrical trade, completing an electrical apprenticeship with Zeal Futures and Origin Energy.
The third winner was Shaani Monson, who won the Inclusion Trainee/Apprentice of the Year Award. Shaani completed a mobile plant apprenticeship hosted by Whitehaven Coal and was consistently impressed with her hard work and commitment.
Her achievements were also recognised earlier this year when she was named Apprentice of the Year at the New England Regional Training Awards.
Zeal Futures CEO Sharon Smith said the awards were a powerful reflection of the organisation’s mission to help people and communities thrive.
“These awards highlight the real impact that group training organisations can have, not just on individuals like Kasey and Shaani, but on entire communities like Shoalhaven,” Sharon said.
“Our role is to connect talent with opportunity, and to provide the support, mentoring, and structure that help apprentices, trainees and organisations succeed.
“When our people thrive and build new skills, our industries and communities prosper, and that’s what makes VET such a vital part of Australia’s future workforce.
“Congratulations to Kasey and Shaani on their achievements. Zeal Futures is proud to have played a role in shaping their success stories.
“Well done also to Shoalhaven City Council. We’re proud to work with an organisation that values training and development and shares our commitment to providing quality apprenticeship and traineeship pathways.”
Alongside local business Zeal Futures was John Finefeuiaki from Newcastle Master Builders Apprentices who won the Pooley Downing Award.
IMAGE |AEN Kasey Lewis
