Regional vocational education and group training provider Zeal Futures has been named a national finalist for Large Provider of the Year in the 2026 Australian Training Awards. The national nomination follows the organisation securing Large Training Provider of the Year at the NSW Training Awards in August.
Zeal Futures operates an integrated education model combining a Special Assistance Secondary School, a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and a Group Training Organisation (GTO). As an RTO, the provider delivers 13 qualifications across nine educational disciplines from three campuses and online, including specialised trade training in Mechanical Engineering, Fabrication Engineering, Electrical, and Mobile Plant at its Rutherford campus.
The Mobile Plant qualification was added to scope following a curriculum collaboration with Glencore to focus on diagnostic reasoning across mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems. Additionally, Zeal Futures delivers a six-month work-readiness program providing simulated workshop training for first-year apprentices prior to site placement, alongside holding International Welding Accreditation. Its vocational courses maintain a 76 per cent qualification completion rate.
Earlier this year, Zeal Futures opened its Special Assistance Secondary School at its Ourimbah campus for students in years 9 and 10, with planned expansions to year 11 in 2027 and year 12 in 2028. Winners of the national 2026 Australian Training Awards will be announced at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on Friday 20 November 2026.
Chief Executive Officer of Zeal Futures, Sharon Smith stated that the national recognition reflects collaborative training partnerships across regional industry sectors.
“This recognition highlights the tremendous work happening across our organisation every day – supporting our students, collaborating with our host employers and industry partners, and helping to build the skilled workforce our communities will need in the future,” Sharon said.
“Just two years ago, one of our apprentices was a national finalist for Apprentice of the Year. Now our RTO has a chance to shine, and that just shows the depth and diversity of our organisation. Through this model, we are able to support learners at every stage of their journeys, whether they’re just starting out, learning a trade, or returning later to upskill.”
General Manager of Learning at Zeal Futures, Debbie Laarkamp added that co-designed industry training builds trade capability before apprentices enter commercial workplaces.
“This program provides six months of structured, simulated workshop training for first-year apprentices to help them develop safety habits, communication discipline, tool competence and teamwork behaviours before they commence work on a real work site,” Debbie said.
“Zeal Futures is also one of very few providers in Australia with International Welding Accreditation. That’s not a coincidence – it reflects our commitment to genuine trade excellence. Not only do we achieve great results, like a 76% qualification completion rate, Zeal Futures is a strategic workforce partner with the expertise and adaptability to respond to real workforce problems, ensuring both our learners and businesses can thrive. At Zeal Futures, we create success stories, and I look forward to celebrating our own success at the Awards Gala in November.”
IMAGE | Zeal Futures named national finalist for Large Provider of the Year in Australian Training Awards
