Award Winners

Our Training Award Winners

Celebrating the next generation of leisure industry leaders.

— Testimonials

TRAINING AWARD WINNERS

At Leisure Employment Australia, we are proud to nurture the industry’s top talent. See how our school-based traineeships empower students to gain life-saving skills, earn real qualifications, and kickstart rewarding careers in sport and recreation.

Alicia Farr

Bayfit Leisure Centre, Vic
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2024 Winner: Victorian School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year 

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National Finalist: 2024 Australian Training Awards

“I’ve always loved being in the water, so doing my traineeship at Bayfit while finishing Year 11 was such a great experience. Teaching kids water safety is so rewarding because you're giving them a life-saving skill, but it also taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. It built up my confidence in a way that’s going to help me all the way through uni."

Robert Nicolosi

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, WA
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2023 Winner: WA School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

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National Finalist: 2023 Australian Training Awards

"My traineeship at Belmont Oasis gave me the exact foundation I was looking for in coaching, program planning, and leadership, turning my passion into real qualifications as a swim teacher, lifeguard, and basketball coach. Gaining hands-on experience alongside industry professionals completely transformed my confidence and teamwork, putting me directly on track to become a physical education teacher."

Kristina Stima

Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, Nsw
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2023 Winner: NSW School-Based Trainee of the Year (Central & Northern Sydney Region) 

"Doing a school-based traineeship with LEA was honestly the best decision I made in high school. Stepping onto the pool deck forced me out of my shell and helped develop my communication skills. Whether it's watching a preschooler overcome their fear of the water or keeping patrons safe on the pool deck, you truly get out of a traineeship what you put in. It's built a foundation of leadership and resilience that I'll carry straight into my future career."

Sophia Pitaro

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, WA
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2022 Winner: WA School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year

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National Finalist: 2022 Australian Training Awards

“I’ve always wanted to gain as much hands-on experience as possible while in high school. Completing my Certificate III in Sport and Recreation while working at Belmont Oasis has been an incredible path. Getting certified in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding gave me real-world skills and on-the-job experience that have completely built up my confidence for the future."

Olivia Townsend

Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, Nsw
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2022 Winner: NSW School-Based Trainee of the Year (Central & Northern Sydney Region) 

"My traineeship with LEA gave me hands-on experience, formal qualifications, and real workplace confidence before even finishing Year 12. Teaching water safety and helping students overcome their fears showed me the power of practical VET training. It’s an incredible foundation that sets you up for leadership in any industry!"

Martine David

Rockhampton Aquatic Centre, Qld
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2022 Winner: Queensland School-Based Trainee of the Year (Central Queensland Region)

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2022 Finalist: Queensland School-Based Trainee of the Year

“Before starting my traineeship, I struggled with dyslexia and lacked confidence at school. Stepping onto the pool deck as a swim teacher, lifeguard, and receptionist completely turned that around. Teaching kids water safety and giving back to my community proved to me that everyone has unique strengths. You get so much hands-on confidence and experience out of a VET pathway!"

Katherine Spitzerova

Mosman Swim Centre, Nsw
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NSW Finalist: 2026 New South Wales Training Awards

"Growing up in the water, my swim coaches provided a safe space that shaped who I am today. Through my SBAT at Mosman Swim Centre, I found my true passion for working with kids, giving them that same confidence, safety, and joy while building real-world skills for my future."

Leonard Golding

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, WA
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NSW Finalist: 2025 New South Wales Training Award

"I’ve always loved being part of a team, but working at Belmont Oasis showed me how vital trust, communication, and quick thinking really are. Whether I'm on lifeguard duty, working in the café, or teaching in the pool, every day gives me a chance to learn something new. The real-world skills and leadership experience I’ve gained through LEA have made me a better teammate both at work and on the baseball field."

Emily Everett

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, Wa
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WA Finalist: 2024 Western Australian Training Awards

"Starting at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre allowed me to complete my Certificate III in Sport and Recreation while getting certified in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding. Learning these practical skills, alongside customer service, has completely built up my confidence both on the pool deck and in everyday life."

William Osborne

Mosman Swim Centre, Nsw
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NSW Finalist: 2022 New South Wales Training Awards

"Swimming has always been a massive part of my life, so taking on a school-based traineeship at Mosman Swim Centre was the perfect way to give back to my community. Balancing Year 12 as School Captain while working as a Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Receptionist pushed me out of my comfort zone and built up my communication skills with parents and kids. Gaining hands-on experience and real qualifications before even finishing high school gave me a huge head start and prepared me for university in a way traditional study never could."

Desiree Baxter

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre, Wa
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WA Finalist: 2022 Western Australian Training Awards

“My School Based Traineeship was the perfect path toward my goal of becoming a sports teacher. Becoming a qualified lifeguard and swim instructor has let me share my love of sport every day, while gaining practical qualifications that set me up for the future."

Bethany Harth

Rockhampton Aquatic Centre, Qld
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QLD Finalist: 2021 Queensland Training Awards

"Starting at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre allowed me to complete my Certificate III in Sport and Recreation while getting certified in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding. Learning these practical skills, alongside customer service, has completely built up my confidence both on the pool deck and in everyday life."

Kate Van Es

Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre, Nsw
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NSW Finalist: 2021 New South Wales Training Awards

"Starting my traineeship with LEA was the best decision I could have made. Pushing myself outside my comfort zone, learning on the job, and taking on different roles showed me what I’m truly capable of. A traineeship isn't just about getting through two years, you never know where it could lead, whether that's becoming a Pool Deck Coordinator, Duty Manager, or Facility Manager down the track. If you say yes to opportunities and back yourself, you'll be amazed at how quickly your confidence grows!"