Anna shortlisted for top apprentice at Victorian Training Awards

Anna-Holmesglen-Apprentice-of-the-Year

Holmesglen apprentice Anna Oliphant Wright has been named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards, for her outstanding achievements and commitment to her trade.

The Victorian Training Awards celebrate excellence across the state's skills and training sector, recognising the achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, employers and training providers throughout Victoria.

This year's finalists were selected across 13 categories, including six individual awards, four employer awards and three training organisation awards, highlighting the breadth and diversity of talent across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

From electrical apprentice to TAFE and industry award winner

Anna recently completed her electrical apprenticeship with UGL Rail Victoria and earned a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at Holmesglen. She is now a qualified electrician at V/Line with an impressive array of industry work experience and additional qualifications under her belt.

While working as a junior apprentice with NECA, Anna was named Junior Apprentice of the Year in 2022 and earlier this year, she received Holmesglen's 2026 Apprentice of the Year award.

The award holds special meaning for Anna as she follows in her father’s footsteps, an acclaimed electrical apprentice during his time, who was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Electricity Trust of South Australia in 1987.

Anna-Holmesglen-apprentice

Anna currently works as a qualified electrician following her TAFE apprenticeship.

Become a qualified electrician with an electrotechnology apprenticeship

Anna's journey to an electrotechnology apprenticeship contained many chapters.

Growing up with an electrician father sparked Anna's interest in the trade, but her path wasn't a conventional one.

After school, she studied music and science at university, earning high distinctions in biology and statistics before deciding the career wasn't for her. A stint working on a farm during the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed she was better suited to practical, hands-on work, setting her on the path to an electrical apprenticeship. 

Studying at Holmesglen offered the ideal combination of:

  • Technical knowledge
  • Practical problem-solving
  • On-the-job learning

During her apprenticeship with Stowe/PTI Pacific on the Metro Tunnel Project, Anna developed a strong interest in rail signalling and safety-critical systems after gaining first-hand experience with the complex relationships between track equipment and signalling infrastructure.

Anna is a strong advocate for vocational education and regularly recommends TAFE as a pathway to:

  • Rewarding careers
  • Long-term employment
  • In-demand industry skills

She says Holmesglen not only equipped her with technical skills but also encouraged an independent approach to learning that has continued to support her professional growth.

“One of the most valuable and distinctive parts of training was the self-led nature of some of the learning, because it meant I could not just sit back and wait, I had to actively push myself forward. That approach really suited me and played a big role in my success,” she said. 

How to start a career in the electrical industry

With an electrotechnology qualification, Anna plans to continue building her expertise in industrial control and management systems within essential services.

She hopes to work as a Signal Maintenance Technician in the rail industry or apply her skills within utilities, particularly the water sector, where reliable control systems play a vital role in supporting environmental outcomes and community wellbeing.

Originally from regional Victoria, Anna is passionate about using her skills to give back to the communities where she grew up and contributing to projects that make a meaningful difference.

Being named a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards is the latest milestone in Anna's remarkable career and reflects her dedication to developing the skills that will help power Victoria's future.

Ready to start your electrical career? Check out our electrical courses and what training options are available to you.