Newman Senior Technical College is celebrating a massive achievement, with our very own Leader of Pedagogy, Hospitality Teacher, and Head Chef, Charles James, officially named VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year at the regional North Coast & Mid North Coast Training Awards on 22 May 2026.
The regional phase covers a massive footprint—stretching from Tweed Heads down through Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Taree. Standing out among the absolute best educators in these coastal and rural communities is a huge honour, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Charles’s journey in the food industry started at just 14 years old, when he managed to juggle completing his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery alongside his Higher School Certificate (HSC). That early hustle paved the way for a stellar career cooking in some of the most renowned kitchens across Australia and New Zealand.
In 2006, Charles traded the fast-paced world of commercial kitchens for the equally fast-paced world of education. Armed with a Bachelor of Education and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, he has been shaping the next generation of hospitality stars ever since.
Today, as the Leader of Pedagogy and Leader of Curriculum at Newman, his impact is felt school-wide. He doesn’t just teach students how to cook; he helps shape how our entire staff delivers impactful, modern education.
Fun Fact: Charles is also the brains behind the popular “Show Me Chef” YouTube channel, a creative initiative he launched to bring interactive hospitality training right into students’ living rooms.
Next Stop: The NSW State Finals: Winning the regional award means Charles is now moving on to Stage 3: the NSW State Finals. The top three finalists from across the state will be invited to the prestigious NSW Training Awards presentation in Sydney during National Skills Week this coming August, where the overall state winners will be crowned.
Charles wasn’t the only one flying the flag for Newman College at the awards. We also want to give a massive shoutout to three incredible student finalists who made it to the regional finals:
- Sophie Holmes – School-Based Apprentice/Trainee (SbAT) of the Year Finalist
- Seth Blair – School-Based Apprentice/Trainee (SbAT) of the Year Finalist
- Mitchell Stephens – VETiS Student of the Year Finalist
While Sophie, Seth, and Mitchell didn’t advance to the state finals this time around, making it this far is a massive testament to their talent, work ethic, and professionalism. We have no doubt they will absolutely crush it in whatever careers they choose to pursue.
The NSW Training Awards represent the “best of the best” in vocational education, highlighting the crucial role of hands-on training for regional youth.
Congratulations to Charles, Sophie, Seth, and Mitchell for representing Newman College with dedication, pride, and excellence!