NCIG has been recognised for its commitment to developing future talent, taking home the Overall Host Employer of the Year award at the 2026 Zeal Futures Excellence Awards.
The awards, established in 2015, celebrate outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and business partners, while highlighting the important role vocational education and training pathways play across Australia.
Selected from host employers across NSW, NCIG was recognised for strong performance over the past year, including maintaining a 100% apprentice completion rate, prioritising apprentice safety with more than 2,100 LTI-free days, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce with 45% women in trades participation and 9% Indigenous participation.
The award also recognised our strong focus on mentoring, community engagement and creating meaningful development opportunities for apprentices.
NCIG has partnered with Zeal Futures for more than 10 years, with 12 apprentices recruited through the partnership. The recognition reflects our long-term commitment to workforce development, learning and innovation.
Adding to the celebrations, former NCIG apprentice Alana Buresti was named Women in Trades – Apprentice of the Year.
Alana completed her electrotechnology apprenticeship through NCIG and Zeal Futures, where she built strong technical, safety and communication skills while working in a high-risk industrial environment. Alongside completing her electrical training, she also undertook a Diploma of Project Management and represented Zeal Futures at industry and community events, advocating for vocational education and training pathways.
Reflecting on the award, Alana said she was surprised and grateful to be recognised for the hard work she had put into her apprenticeship journey.
One of the highlights of her apprenticeship was participating in the Girls Can Too Program through Zeal Futures, where she spoke with school students about opportunities in trades and apprenticeships.
“It was really rewarding to encourage girls to give it a go and consider a career in trades,” she said.
Alana credited both NCIG and Zeal Futures for helping shape her career, particularly the support provided by mentors and experienced tradespeople on site.
“The people you get to learn from at NCIG are highly skilled and very willing to pass on their knowledge,” she said. “It’s a supportive environment and there’s such a broad range of work, so you’re always learning something new.”
The 2026 Zeal Futures Excellence Awards were held on Friday 8 May, bringing together industry leaders, educators and emerging professionals to celebrate excellence in vocational education and training across NSW.
From left to right; Luke Dalton, Lauren Woods, Alana Buresti, Bec Harris (Zeal Futures), and Anthony Thomas representing NCIG at the Zeal Futures Excellence Awards evening.