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Australian Vocational Student Prize
Who is eligible for nomination?
A student is eligible for nomination if he/she:
- will complete Year 12 in the year of nomination;
- has completed, as part of their senior secondary studies, a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) to a minimum Certificate II level*;
- will have their VET in Schools or ASbA results recorded on their senior secondary school certificate; and
- is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
* In some cases the school-based portion of vocational qualification can only be completed to a maximum Certificate I. If you would like to nominate a student who falls into this category please provide an explanation in the Supporting Statement in the nomination form.
Who can nominate the student?
Students can be nominated by their school principal, VET Coordinator or teacher.
Can a student or parent approach the school to be considered for the prize?
Yes, but it is at the discretion of the school who they nominate.
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 AVSP.
How many prizes are there?
Up to 500 prizes are awarded each year. Not every nomination will be successful.
Is the student’s UAI score important?
No. To be eligible, a student must be on track to complete Year 12, however it is their achievements in VET in Schools or in an ASbA that are considered for these prizes.
How many students can each school nominate?
Schools with fewer than 25 students enrolled in VET in Schools or ASbA programs may nominate two students. Schools with 25 or more students enrolled in VET in Schools or ASbA programs may nominate up to four students
| Fewer than 25 students |
2 - one VETiS student and one ASbA student |
| 25 or more students |
4 - two VETiS students and two ASbA students |
What is a Vocational Education and Training in Schools program?
Vocational Education and Training in Schools programs are 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 or 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 and meet the eligibility requirements.
Can a student enrolled in Year 12 at TAFE be nominated?
Yes, as long as they will complete Year 12 in the year of nomination and meet the eligibility requirements.
How are the winners selected?
The nominations are divided into industry groups and distributed to state and territory assessment panels. The assessment panels include industry and education representatives. All nominations are assessed with consideration given to the merit of each student’s vocational education achievement.
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.
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Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence
What is the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School?
The most exceptional recipients of the AVSP will be selected to receive the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School. These Awards are for the highest achieving students from each State and Territory, the highest achieving student in each industry area and the highest achieving Indigenous student in Australia. To be awarded a Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School a student must achieve a Certificate III qualification or above.
Can I nominate a student for the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School?
No. Exceptional recipients of the AVSP, who have completed a Certificate level III or above, will be considered for the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School. Candidates are recommended to a national assessment panel by the state and territory assessment panels.
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