News | 23 September

The 2025 Victorian Training Awards celebrated the best and brightest across the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, and this year’s ceremony was an unforgettable night for Civil Contractors Federation Victoria (CCF Victoria).

CCF Victoria was named Small Training Provider of the Year, while Civil Train graduate Rebecca Gibson was awarded the prestigious title of Trainee of the Year.

To be recognised in not just one but two categories is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for CCF Victoria, our trainers, our staff, our members, and the entire civil construction industry we represent.

CCF Victoria: Small Training Provider of the Year

As the registered training organisation (RTO 3704) of CCF Victoria, Civil Train has long been committed to delivering high-quality, practical training that equips workers with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the civil construction industry.

Winning Small Training Provider of the Year is an important recognition of the dedication of our trainers, assessors, and staff, as well as the trust our members place in us to upskill their workforce.

“Civil Train exists to support our industry by building capability and creating real career pathways,” said CEO, Lisa Kinross. “This award is recognition of the commitment and passion of our team and our strong partnerships with employers across the sector. Together, we are ensuring civil construction remains at the forefront of Victoria’s growth and development.”

The award acknowledges CCF Victoria’s ability to deliver accessible, industry-relevant training that adapts to the evolving needs of the sector. From critical safety courses such as confined spaces, trenching, and asbestos removal to leadership development programs for future supervisors, the training is designed to meet the realities of worksites while supporting career progression.

This recognition confirms CCF Victoria and Civil Train’s role as a leading small training provider with the agility to deliver programs that are practical, impactful, and aligned with employer and worker needs.

Trainee of the Year: Rebecca Gibson

The night became even more special when Rebecca Gibson, a CCF Victoria graduate, was announced as the winner of the Trainee of the Year Award.

Rebecca completed her Certificate IV in Civil Construction (Supervision) through Civil Train while undertaking the Assistant Supervisor Traineeship Program (ASTP) with Laing O’Rourke. From the outset, she stood out for her determination to lead, learn, and contribute at a high level.

In her role as Assistant Supervisor, Rebecca was entrusted with significant responsibilities. She successfully advocated for greater autonomy and was given her own scope of works on the Eastern Freeway upgrade, including the complex task of delivering a bridge over the new busway.

Her leadership extended to managing work crews, overseeing costs, and maintaining safety on a complex, large scale project with ever-changing priorities. Her ability to adapt, take initiative, and deliver results exceeded all expectations and highlighted her potential as a future leader of the industry.

Championing change and inspiring others

Rebecca’s impact is not only measured by the projects she has delivered but also by the influence she has had on others. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she champions the role of women in construction and is already inspiring the next generation.

Through her mentorship, women across Australia are gaining the confidence to see a place for themselves in the civil sector. Her story demonstrates that leadership is about more than job titles, it is about resilience, responsibility, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

A defining night for civil construction training

To see both Civil Train Victoria and Rebecca Gibson recognised as winners at the Victorian Training Awards is a defining moment for CCF Victoria.

It highlights the collective efforts of our trainers, our staff, our employer partners, and our learners. It demonstrates that when training is led by industry, learner-focused, and supported by strong employer engagement, the outcomes can be transformative — not only for individuals but for the broader industry.

This recognition also reinforces CCF Victoria’s vision to support members through advocacy, skills development, and workforce growth. With the civil construction sector central to Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline, the need for skilled, capable, and diverse workers has never been greater. The 2025 Awards confirm that CCF Victoria is playing a vital role in meeting this challenge.

Celebrating the civil sector

The Victorian Training Awards are about more than trophies. They are a celebration of the achievements and contributions of organisations and individuals across the state who are shaping the future of work.

CCF Victoria extends warm congratulations to all winners and finalists from across the training sector. Each story shared reflects the creativity, resilience, and commitment that make Victoria’s VET system one of the strongest in the country.

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