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Setting the Benchmark: Celebrating Zac and Jayla’s Success at the 2026 Training Awards

Trainees Zac and Jayla achieved recognition of their immense efforts and commitment to their traineeship at the 2026 NSW Training Awards.

At Creating Chances, we are immensely proud to see our young leaders recognized for their dedication and professionalism. This year, two of our outstanding School-Based Trainees (SBATs), Zac and Jayla, achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Training Awards, showcasing the real-world impact of the Youth Development Pathway.

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Zac: A Pioneer of Excellence in New England
 
Zac delivered an outstanding performance at the New England Training Awards, where he received the prestigious Sue Haylock Memorial Award for Outstanding Excellence in VET. This honor earned him the title of the overall top VET student of 2026. Zac’s recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to his traineeship and the significant influence he has already had in schools throughout the New England region. By excelling in his Vocational Education and Training (VET), Zac is doing more than just meeting expectations; he is setting a high benchmark for the next generation of sports and education professionals.
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Jayla: A Powerhouse in Southern & South-West Sydney
 
In Southern & South-West Sydney, Jayla was celebrated as a finalist for SBAT of the Year at the NSW Training Awards. Celebrating alongside her mentors at the ceremony in Casula, Jayla was recognised for her exceptional work ethic and the tangible impact she makes in her community. Reaching the finals in such a competitive category is an elite achievement. As an SBAT, Jayla balances her high school studies with professional responsibilities, proving that she is a standard-setter for future leaders in the industry. 
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The success of Zac and Jayla is a testament to the School-Based Traineeship (SBAT) initiative, which serves as the “last step on the pathway” for Creating Chances participants. These trainees:

  • Are employed for one day of paid work per week during Year 11 and 12.
  • Work toward a Certificate III in Sports Coaching or Sport and Recreation.
  • Receive ongoing mentorship and career support from an Employment Pathways Coordinator.

Zac and Jayla’s journeys from students to award-winning professionals demonstrate the power of providing young people with a fair chance to thrive. Their achievements not only celebrate their individual resilience and skill but also highlight how the SBAT program successfully bridges the gap between the classroom and the workforce. 

Congratulations to Zac and Jayla; the future of youth leadership is exceptionally bright!

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