Behind every successful learner, apprentice and graduate are dedicated professionals who create opportunities, build partnerships, transfer knowledge and mentor future talent.
The National TVET Excellence Awards South Africa 2026 recognises outstanding industry professionals whose leadership, innovation and commitment contribute to strengthening the Industry-TVET ecosystem. The Awards celebrate individuals who help bridge the gap between education and the world of work, creating opportunities that transform lives and careers.
Whether through workplace training, mentorship, partnership development, artisan training, innovation, or the creation of opportunities for learners, these individuals play a critical role in supporting South Africa's skills development priorities.
Individual Award Categories
1. Skills Development Partnership Champion of the Year
Recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in establishing, growing and sustaining strategic partnerships with various institutions of Higher Learning that advance skills development, workforce readiness and training excellence.
2. Apprentice, Artisan and Technical Skills Development Champion
Recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to artisan and apprenticeship development.
3. Skills Innovation Champion of the Year
Recognises an individual who has introduced innovative approaches, technologies, methodologies or solutions that enhance skills development, workforce readiness and learning outcomes.
4. TVET Student Opportunity Champion
Recognises an individual who has created meaningful workplace, learning and career opportunities for TVET students and graduates.
5. Workplace Learning Mentor of the Year
Celebrates an industry professional who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring, coaching and developing learners, apprentices, graduates or young professionals in the workplace.
Registration and Submission Schedule
Important Notice
Due to the compressed timelines associated with the implementation of the Awards, submission deadlines cannot be extended. Nominees are encouraged to prepare and submit their Portfolio of Evidence as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure sufficient time for verification and evaluation.
Nomination and Submission Process
- View Award Categories
- Download the Industry Professionals Information Guide
- Review Eligibility Requirements
- Register as a Nominee
- Receive and Accept/Reject a Nomination by a Third Party
- Prepare and Submit a Portfolio of Evidence
- Be Available for a Brief Virtual Presentation to the Adjudicating Committee
Nomination by Another Company or Person
Representatives of organisations (for the Company Awards) and individuals (for the Private Sector Individual Awards) nominated by a third party will receive an email from the Awards Management Team confirming their nomination.
- Nominees will have 48 hours from receipt of the notification to accept or decline the nomination.
- If the nominee accepts the nomination, they must complete the registration process (i.e., the Self-Nomination Form) to create their own profile and formally confirm participation.
- Once registration is complete, nominees may prepare and submit their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in accordance with the prescribed process and timelines.
Self-Nominations
Representatives of organisations entering the Company Awards and individuals entering the Private Sector Individual Awards through self-nomination may begin preparing their Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) after submitting their online registration and receiving registration confirmation from the Awards Management Team. All submissions must adhere to the prescribed process and timelines.
Should you have any questions please email us on:
awards2026@germanchamber.co.za
