Vocational education and training play a key role in driving innovation and productivity, as well as developing the skills needed to sustain our industries. Recently I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Greater Western Sydney Training Awards. Hosted by the Southern & South-Western Sydney Regional Development Committee, the ceremony provided well-deserved acknowledgement to students, teachers and employers in the vocational education and training sector. I congratulate all the award winners and finalists on their achievements, and I give a special shout-out to Nicholas from the Australian Careers Business College in Liverpool for taking out the Vocational Student of the Year award. He now represents the region at the upcoming State training awards and I wish him the best. I thank the Department of Education and the committee for their work in organising the event. Events like that provide an opportunity to highlight the important career pathways supported by vocational education.