A fantastic result for NECA Education & Careers’ apprentice Baxter Lewis, who has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Tasmanian Training Awards.
Baxter received the award at Friday night’s gala presentation at Wrest Point in Hobart, where Tasmania’s leading apprentices, trainees, students, trainers and employers were recognised for their achievements across vocational education and training.
Baxter completed his electrical apprenticeship in May, having been employed through NECA Education & Careers’ Group Training Organisation and hosted by Frontline Electrical.
The Tasmanian Training Awards Apprentice of the Year Award recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding achievement throughout their training, making Baxter’s win an important acknowledgement of the commitment, skill and professionalism he demonstrated throughout his apprenticeship.
For Kylie Murphy, State Manager – Tasmania NECA E&C, Baxter’s achievement reflects both his own hard work and the value of having strong support around an apprentice through NECA E&C and their Host Employer.
“Baxter’s achievement is incredibly well deserved, and we couldn’t be more delighted for him. Throughout his apprenticeship, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing his skills, taking on new challenges and making the most of every opportunity available to him.
“Awards like this recognise the individual, but they also highlight what can be achieved when an apprentice has the right training, workplace experience and support around them. Frontline Electrical played an important role in Baxter’s development, and it’s fantastic to see that partnership recognised through this result.
“Our team was already super-proud of having four NECA E&C apprentices named as finalists. To see Baxter take out the win and have the opportunity to go on to represent Tasmania nationally is a wonderful outcome”
Baxter was one of four NECA Education & Careers apprentices recognised as finalists in this year’s Apprentice of the Year category, alongside Daniel Gillie, hosted by FIP; Callum Butler, hosted by Contact Group; and Christopher McKnight, hosted by RBD.
With such a strong field of apprentices from across Tasmania, being named a finalist was an achievement in itself.
Their recognition reflects the strength of the apprenticeship pathway and the role that quality training, meaningful workplace experience and strong employer support can play in helping apprentices build confidence, capability and long-term careers.
And Baxter’s journey isn’t finished yet.
As Tasmania’s Apprentice of the Year, he will now represent the state at the 2026 Australian Training Awards in Sydney on 20 November.
Congratulations Baxter on an outstanding achievement, and congratulations to Daniel, Callum and Christopher on being recognised as finalists.
A big thank you to Frontline Electrical and all our Host Employers for the role they play in supporting and developing the next generation of skilled electrical workers.