What is the prize?
The Australian Vocational Student Prize recognises outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and achievement while undertaking a Vocational Education and Training in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. The prize is a certificate and $2,000.
Australian Vocational Student Prize Nomination Form – where can I get a copy?
From this year onwards, the timing of the Australian Vocational Student Prize nomination period has changed. Nominations open from Monday 13 October 2008. An online nomination form will be available from www.dest.gov.au/schools/avsp from that date onwards.
How many prizes are there?
Each year up to 500 AVSPs are awarded.
Who is eligible for nomination?
A student is eligible for nomination if he/she:
- will complete Year 12 in 2008;
- has completed, as part of their senior secondary studies, a Vocational Education and Training in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship to a minimum Certificate II level;
- has their Vocational Education and Training in Schools or Australian School-based Apprenticeship results recorded on their 2008 senior secondary school certificate; and
- is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can nominate the student?
The principal of the student’s school is the nominator and must endorse the online nomination form. Another person, such as a teacher or employer, who wishes to suggest a student for nomination should discuss the matter with the student’s principal.
How many students can each school principal nominate?
A total of two students can be nominated by a school principal, with one from each category – one for Vocational Education and Training in Schools programs and one for Australian School-based Apprenticeships.
Under exceptional circumstances, can a principal nominate more than one student per category?
No.
Can a school principal nominate one student from each campus in a multi-campus school?
Yes, they can nominate one Vocational Education and Training in Schools student and one Australian School-based Apprentice from each campus.
What is a Vocational Education and Training in Schools program?
Vocational Education and Training in Schools are programs undertaken by school students as part of the senior secondary certificate that provide credit towards a nationally recognised VET qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework. The training that students receive reflects specific industry competency standards and is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation or a school in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation.
What is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship?
An Australian School-based Apprenticeship student will be enrolled in a senior secondary certificate under the relevant Education Act. The student’s school or education provider acknowledges and endorses the Training Plan or Outline required by the Apprenticeship/Traineeship Training Contract. Their Australian School-based Apprenticeship is recognised by on their senior secondary certificate.
Can a student who completed their Vocational Education and Training in Schools in Year 11 still be nominated when they are in Year 12?
Yes, as long as they will complete Year 12 in the year of nomination.
Can a student enrolled in Year 12 at TAFE be nominated?
Yes, as long as their Vocational Education and Training in Schools program or Australian School-based Apprenticeship meets the definitions.
Are winners of other prizes eligible to be nominated for the Australian Vocational Student Prize?
Yes, winners of other prizes, both academic and vocational, are eligible for entry in the Australian Vocational Student Prize.
My child’s principal will not nominate my child, what do I do?
It is at the discretion of the principal to decide who they nominate. Any concerns should be discussed with the VET in Schools coordinator and school principal.
Is there an age limit on the prize?
No, there is no age limit. As long as the student will complete Year 12 in the year of nomination and satisfies the other eligibility criteria above, they are eligible for nomination.