Anna wins 2026 Victorian Apprentice of the Year

Anna - Holmesglen apprentice_NEWS

Holmesglen graduate Anna Oliphant Wright has been named 2026 Victorian Apprentice of the Year, taking home the top individual apprentice honour at this year’s Victorian Training Awards.

The prestigious award was announced at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards held on Friday, 18 September, at Centrepiece - Melbourne Park. The event celebrated outstanding achievements of apprentices, trainees, students, educators, employers and training providers from across Victoria.

For Anna, the win is a remarkable culmination of her apprenticeship journey, studying the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician at Holmesglen and a year of major milestones.

Already named Holmesglen’s 2026 Apprentice of the Year, Anna has now been recognised at the state’s highest level for her commitment to her trade, her achievements in the workplace and her contribution to the electrical industry. She will also have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the next Australian Training Awards.

Victorian Training Awards success over the years

Holmesglen apprentices have been recognised at the Victorian Training Awards, for the skills, dedication and commitment shown during their apprenticeship training. Read some of our past success stories.

Our apprentices of the year

Apprenticeship success at TAFE and beyond

The award caps a standout few years for Anna, who has continued to distinguish herself since being named NECA Junior Apprentice of the Year in 2022.

Anna attended the awards as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category alongside apprentices from across metropolitan and regional Victoria. The category recognises an individual apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in their training, workplace and broader industry.

Expressing her excitement about winning, Anna congratulated fellow finalists on the night:

“Just being in the mix as a finalist was a massive achievement. I love the electrical trade and being able to represent it in anyway. A sustainable future is an electrical future; a connected future is an electrical future and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”

She also acknowledged the quality of apprenticeship training she received at Holmesglen and how it empowered her to get closer to her career goals.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Holmesglen. During my apprenticeship, I was working crazy hours, doing 65-hour weeks and Holmesglen had a flexible system that helped me achieve what I needed to complete my training early, which was awesome,” Anna said.

How an electrical apprenticeship can support your trades career

Now a qualified electrician, pursuing a Signal Maintenance Technician Traineeship at V/Line, Anna has already made her mark in an industry where technical expertise and a commitment to safety are critical.

The win also carries a special family connection. Anna follows in the footsteps of her father, who was named Apprentice of the Year by the Electricity Trust of South Australia in 1987.

From being recognised as a junior apprentice, to taking out Holmesglen’s Apprentice of the Year award and now being crowned Victoria’s Apprentice of the Year, Anna’s latest achievement is a fitting recognition of her exceptional skills and commitment to her trade.

Apprenticeships at TAFE

Considering starting a trade? At Holmesglen, we offer over 30 apprenticeships across diverse study areas including, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, horticulture, hospitality, and more.

Discover our apprenticeship courses

TAFE teacher support

Elizabeth Jansz, Holmesglen’s Dean of Building Construction Design and Electrotechnology, congratulated Anna and highlighted her passion during her apprenticeship.

“Anna has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, and high academic performance during her time at Holmesglen and her passion for learning and broadening her skills is evident with many successes in the industry.

"I am confident that Anna will continue to make outstanding contributions in her chosen field and serve as a role model for others pursuing vocational pathways."

Holmesglen is proud to share Anna’s outstanding success and celebrate this achievement with her. Congratulations, Anna we look forward to seeing your career grow.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Holmesglen recognises and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and beyond on which we educate and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge our emerging leaders.