Nominations for the 2009 Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) are now open. School principals and Vocational Education and Training (VET) coordinators have the opportunity to nominate Year 12 students who have undertaken vocational education and training as part of their senior secondary certificate.

Schools are invited to nominate students that have demonstrated outstanding vocational and employability skills, high achievement, determination and commitment while undertaking a VET in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

The AVSP promotes the value of VET in Schools programs and Australian School-based Apprenticeships and recognises the benefits that can be gained by matching the career aspirations of young people with practical learning pathways to help them reach their full potential.

Each year the AVSP is awarded to up to 500 outstanding Year 12 students. Winners receive $2000 and a certificate from the Minister for Education recognising their achievements.

AVSP winners are also eligible for the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School. Winners of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award are selected from the highest achieving recipients of the AVSP and each winner receives a certificate from the Prime Minister and an additional $2000.

The achievements of AVSP and Prime Minister’s Award winners are recognised nationally by the Minister and locally by schools and the community.

Nominations close on 4 December 2009.

To nominate for the 2009 AVSP visit the Australian Vocational Student Prize Webpage.

For more information on the Prime Minister’s Award please visit the DEEWR Website.