Apprentice of the Year
* There must be a minimum of three entrants in a category for all entrants to progress to the judging phase.
This category is designed to recognise a hotel employee who is enrolled in an accredited apprenticeship or traineeship. This individual award is judged on the development undertaken by the individual, commitment to their training and the industry, and career aspirations.
To qualify for nomination, the employee must be:
- Undertaking their traineeship or apprenticeship at the time of their nomination
- Enrolled in an accredited apprenticeship or traineeship
- Available for a Zoom Interview
- Apprenticeships due for completion after May 2025
Documents required for submission at nomination:
- Nominees resume including current qualifications, training courses attended, awards gained.
- Headshot of the nominee on a white backdrop or in their work environment. We like to see smiles!
- Optional extras: A written submission from the employer detailing why this employee is being nominated, accompanying documents such as guest comments, references, articles or certificates.
Judges will be assessing the following points:
- Self-presentation, personality and professional attitude
- Demonstrated knowledge, expertise, interest, involvement and ambitions in the hotel industry
- Examples of hotel education, formal and informal learning and development
- Employee portfolio (e.g., photographs, personal job-related awards, depth and breadth of experience etc)
- Contribution back to the community or industry
- Diversity in work history and experience
Categories
Individual Employee Awards - $175 per nomination
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Chef of the Year
- Excellence in Service
- Local Legend Award
- Apprentice of the Year
- Venue Manager of the Year
Dining Awards – $230 - $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Restaurant - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Casual Dining - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Family Dining
General Awards - $175 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
- Best Pub Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Parma of the Year
- Best Specialty Bar
- Best Presented Beer
- Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu
- Best Live Entertainment Venue
- Best Sports Bar - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Outdoor Experience - Regional & Metropolitan
- Best Rooftop Experience
- Cocktail Menu of the Year
- Bush Pub of the Year
Accommodation Awards - $250 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Gaming & Wagering - $175 per nomination
Anonymous site visit reimbursement required
Performance Awards - $175 per nomination
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Outstanding Achievement in Training
- Heart of the Community
- Best Hotel Group Operator
- Best Function & Event Space
- Best Refurbished Venue Space
- Best Redeveloped Hotel