A night to remember: Engage First Aid at the SA Training Awards
Last night we were lucky enough to attend the SA Training Awards 2025 Gala Presentation. It was amazing to attend the evening that was all about recognising and celebrating the talent and contributions within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) section in South Australia.
What a night it turned out to be!
Organised by the SA Skills Commission at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the event highlighted the work the Commission does to support skills development, training providers, apprentices, students and trainers. It was very inspiring to see the dedication that goes into building SA's skilled workforce and creating pathways for people to develop life-changing capabilities.
An unforgettable achievement
We're very excited to tell you the reason we were there. Firstly our trainer, Nick, was named as a finalist for the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year award... which was a massive achievement in itself. He was nominated for creating training that is engaging and that transforms people's perception of what first aid training is.
Secondly, he walked away with the coveted Voter's Choice Award. Nick beat out all the other individual finalists, from 6 different categories, to take home this special recognition. What makes it all the more special is it was voted for by the public. Nick was also the only first aid trainer nominated among all the finalists highlighting just how unique and impactful his approach to first aid education truly is.
A mission that matters
Nick is more than a trainer. He is on a mission to increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest in Australia through engaging and memorable first aid education. He is transforming how people learn life-saving skills, moving beyond the traditional tick-the-box approach to create training experiences that people actually remember when it matters most.
This recognition validates what we've always known. When you combine expert knowledge with genuine passion and an engaging delivery style, you create training that truly makes a difference.
Mixing with South Australia's finest
The evening gave us a chance to connect with SA's training community and leaders. In attendance were the Governor of South Australia Her Excellency the The Honourable Frances Adamson AC, the Minister for Education, Training and Skills The Honourable Blair Boyd MP and SA Skills Commission Commissioner Cameron Baker.
The night reinforced how important quality training is to SA's future and started many conversations for us about what we can do to increase that survival rate in Australia, starting with SA.
Such an honour
This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support from our community. To everyone who voted for Nick, thank you! Your support means the world and confirms our belief that first aid training can be engaging, memorable and effective.
Congratulations too to all the winners and finalists at the SA Training Awards. Here's to continuing to make training in South Australia exceptional!
Lastly, a huge shoutout to the Principal Partner Sponsor, Mas National, Voter's Choice Sponsor Drakes Supermarkets and the Award Sponsor for VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year SYC.
So what's next for Engage First Aid?
While it may take a while for us to come down from the high of the night and fully recover from dancing the night away, this recognition energises us even more to continue to get as many humans as possible to get their first aid training.
We can't wait to see what opportunities this award brings. Hopefully more chances to spread the word that learning life-saving skills doesn't have to be boring!
Nick will continue bringing his unique blend of comedy and expertise to first aid training across South Australia, ensuring more people are equipped with the confidence and knowledge to act in emergency situations.
Ready to experience first aid training that's actually engaging? Get in touch and see why Nick was recognised as a finalist and award winner.
