2018 Excellence in Vocational Education Awards

The 2018 Excellence in Vocational Education Awards

The role vocational education and training (VET) courses play in helping students prepare for further education, training, employment and lifelong learning is widely recognised by key stakeholders in education.
Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school or through TAFE NSW or other training providers.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed Industry Curriculum Framework (ICF) courses are based on qualifications from national Training Packages.

For NSW school students in Years 9–12, VET is ‘dual accredited’. Students receive recognition towards their school qualification (Record of School Achievement or HSC), as well as a nationally recognised VET qualification (Certificate or Statement of Attainment).

The VET ICF courses include an HSC examination, which provides the opportunity for students to have this HSC examination mark contribute towards the calculation of their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBA/Ts) are a great way for students to set themselves up for the career they want while completing their HSC.

Students are paid for real work experience, while gaining a nationally-recognised VET qualification and contributing towards their HSC studies. Students can commence an apprenticeship (Stage 1) or complete a traineeship while at school (Year 10, 11 and/or 12).

Work Placement is a mandatory HSC requirement within the ICF syllabus, and minimum hours have been assigned to each HSC VET course within each Framework.

Learning in the workplace enables students to:

progress towards the achievement of industry competencies
develop appropriate attitudes towards work
learn a range of behaviours appropriate to the industry
practise and apply skills acquired in the classroom, office or workshop
develop additional skills and knowledge

The scheduling of work placement reflects student readiness and complements off-the- job learning programs.
Teachers and trainers use their professional judgement in the selection of relevant work placements, in related industry areas.
For units of competency that must be assessed in an industry work environment, work placement provides an opportunity to collect evidence required for a student to be deemed competent.

Western Student Connections is a Work Placement Service Provider (WPSP), with responsibility of coordinating mandatory work placement opportunities for students enrolled in a VET ICF for their HSC.

The 2018 Awards

Western Student Connections will host the 2018 Western NSW Schools, Excellence in Vocational Education & Training Awards. The Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement by VET students, coordinators, teachers and/or trainers, as well as the major contribution made by employers, to ensure the success of VET students.

Vocational Education & Training offers the opportunity for students to gain a well-rounded, skills based, education, as well as to establish links to a career. All industry sectors are dependent on encouraging young people to take up the training, education and employment pathways they offer, and school based VET is integral in encouraging young people to establish these industry links.

VET in schools & TAFE plays a vital role in building the regions’ skills base and in enhancing young people’s transition to the workplace and to a positive future. These awards celebrate excellence in skills development, and encourage young people to perform at their best in their chosen Vocational Education and Training Course.

Industry Curriculum Framework Industry Categories for Awards

Courses within Industry Curriculum Frameworks (ICF) count as Board Developed unit credit for the HSC. Frameworks include an HSC examination which provides the opportunity for students to have this HSC examination mark contribute to the calculation of their ATAR.

VET Industry Curriculum Frameworks are courses approved by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for delivery in schools and RTOs, for students enrolled in the NSW Higher School Certifictate (HSC). in 2018 are:

Automotive

Heavy
Light
Vehicle Body

Business Services
Construction
Electrotechnology
Entertainment
Financial Services
Hospitality

Food & Beverage - Front of House
Kitchen Operations - Commercial Cookery

Human Services

Aged Care
Health Services Assistance
Allied Health

Information & Digital Technology
Metal & Engineering
Primary Industries
Retail Services
Tourism, Travel and Events

Award Regions

The Western Student Connections footprint covers three regions in Western NSW. There will be one Awards Nomination process and one Awards Presentation Event in each region.

Central West Region

Far West Region

Orana Region

The Central West covers the cities and towns of Bathurst, Blayney, Canowindra, Condobolin, Cowra, Forbes, Grenfell, Kandos, Lithgow, Manildra, Molong, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Peak Hill, Tottenham, Yeoval

The Far West covers the cities and towns on Broken Hill, Dareton, Ivanhoe, Menindee, Wilcannia

The Orana Region covers the cities and towns of Baradine, Binnaway, Brewarrina, Bourke, Cobar, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Dubbo, Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Goodooga, Gulgong, Lightning Ridge, Mendooran, Mudgee, Narromine, Nyngan, Trangie, Walgett, Warren, Wellington

Schools in the Central West:

Schools in the Far West:

Schools in the Orana:

All Saints College Bathurst
Blayney High School
Canobolas Rural Technology High School
Canowindra High School
Condobolin High School
Cowra High School
Denison College Bathurst High Campus
Denison College Kelso High Campus
Forbes High School
James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange
Kandos High School
Kinross Wolaroi School
La Salle Academy Lithgow
Lithgow High School
MacKillop College Bathurst
Molong Central School
Oberon High School
Orange Christian School
Orange High School
Parkes Christian School
Parkes High School
Peak Hill Central School
Portland Central School
Red Bend Catholic College Forbes
St. Matthews Catholic School Mudgee
St. Raphael's Catholic School Cowra
The Henry Lawson High School
The Scots School
Tottenham Central School
Trundle Central School
Tullamore Central School
Yeoval Central School

Broken Hill High School
Coomealla High School
Ivanhoe Central School
Menindee Central School
Wilcannia Central School
Willyama High School

eVET - TAFE NSW and private RTOs

TAFE NSW Western and New England provide ICF delivery within the footprint of these Excellence in Vocational Education Awards.
Where an eVET ICF is delivered in one of the towns or cities in the Central West, Far West or Orana regions, the eVET teacher and students are eligible for awards.
The student must be enrolled at a school in the Central West, Far West or Orana regions.

Baradine Central School
Binnaway Central School
Bourke High School
Brewarrina Central School
Cobar High School
Coolah Central School
Coonabarabran High School
Coonamble High School
Dubbo Christian School
Dubbo College
Dubbo School of Distance Education
Dunedoo Central School
Gilgandra High School
Goodooga Central School
Gulargambone Central School
Gulgong High School
Lightning Ridge Central School
Macquarie Anglican Grammar School - Dubbo
Mendooran Central School
Mudgee High School
Narromine High School
Nyngan High School
St. Johns College Dubbo
Trangie Central School
Walgett Community College High School
Warren Central School
Wellington High School

Sponsorship

Businesses, organisations, employer groups and all those with an interest in Vocational Education are invited to be sponsors for the awards.
There are three Sponsorship levels:

Gold Level Sponsorship
Silver Level Sponsorship
Bronze Level Sponsorship

The Sponsorship Prospectus has all the information you need.

GOLD SPONSORSHIP - $2,500 (Plus GST)

As a GOLD sponsor your organisation will have naming rights for the award of two (2) VET Student of the Year Industry Categories and two (2) Certificates in Excellence in Vocational Education and Training.
Other acknowledgements of your organisation as a GOLD sponsor include:

Company/Organisation’s logo and acknowledgement as a GOLD Sponsor on all promotional materials including

Invitations to the awards presentation night
The awards night souvenir program
Category winners certificates
Social media Postings

Presentation to the category award winners on the night and company’s/organisation’s name on the winners congratulatory letter for that category
The opportunity to prominently locate a pull up banner and promotional material
Company logo prominently displayed on the main screen and in the main PowerPoint presentation throughout the night
Microphone acknowledgment of sponsorship on the presentation night
Certificate of appreciation as a GOLD Sponsor from Western Student Connections
Complimentary tickets for 2 company representatives at the presentation nights
Direct association with the achievement of Excellence in Vocational Education and Training in the region
Enhanced profile within the VET and business sectors across the region
Opportunity for ongoing promotion and cross promotion with finalists and winners
Photo opportunities with award winners
Networking with local schools, business, training providers and the community
Enhanced corporate image within the western region
Recognition on the Western Student Connections Website and Facebook page

SILVER SPONSORSHIP - $1,500 (Plus GST)

As a SILVERsponsor your organisation will have naming rights for the award of two (2) VET Student of the Year Industry Categories
Other acknowledgements of your organisation as a SILVERsponsor include:

Company/Organisation’s logo and acknowledgement as a SILVERSponsor on all promotional materials including:

Invitations to the awards presentation night
The awards night souvenir program
Category winners certificates

Presentation to the category award winners on the night and company’s/organisation’s name on the winners congratulatory letter for that category
The opportunity to prominently locate a pull up banner and promotional material
Company logo prominently displayed on the main screen and in the main PowerPoint presentation throughout the night
Microphone acknowledgment of sponsorship on the presentation night
Certificate of appreciation as a SILVERSponsor from Western Student Connections
Complimentary tickets for 2 company representatives at the presentation nights
Direct association with the achievement of Excellence in Vocational Education and Training in the region
Enhanced profile within the VET and business sectors across the region
Opportunity for ongoing promotion and cross promotion with finalists and winners
Photo opportunities with award winners
Networking with local schools, business, training providers and the community
Enhanced corporate image within the region
Recognition on the Western Student Connections Website and Facebook page

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP - $500 (Plus GST)

As a BRONZEsponsor your organisation will have naming rights for the award of Certificates of Excellence Awards for 5 Students
Other acknowledgements of your organisation as a BRONZEsponsor include:

Company/Organisation’s logo and acknowledgement as a BRONZESponsor on all promotional materials in the awards night souvenir program
Microphone acknowledgment of sponsorship on the presentation night
Certificate of appreciation as a Bronze Sponsor from Western Student Connections
Complimentary ticket for 1 company representatives at the presentation nights
Direct association with the achievement of Excellence in Vocational Education and Training in the region
Enhanced profile within the VET and business sectors across the region
Opportunity for ongoing promotion and cross promotion with finalists and winners
Photo opportunities with award winners
Networking with local schools, business, training providers and the community
Recognition on the Western Student Connections Website and Facebook page

Award Categories

Employer Awards

Nominating a host employer for an Excellence in Vocational Education shows your appreciation and recognition for their commitment and outstanding work. It can also open many doors for your school / RTO, including finding opportunities to network, raising your profile in your community and showcasing your commitment to Vocational Education and Training.

Completing and Submitting the Nomination

Complete the nomination form. A copy of this nomination form will be emailed to schools, TAFE campuses and RTOs, and can be downloaded from our website: www.wsc.edu.au, filled in and submitted along with a maximum of one A4 page, addressing the selection criteria, plus any attachments that support the nomination. You may submit more then one (1) nomination form.

Submit your nomination. Collate this nomination and any attachments. Applications can be posted, faxed, emailed or hand delivered. Please ensure you copy the nomination prior to sending, as originals will not be returned.

Confirmation. Eligible nominated employers will be advised directly, along with their invitation to attend the 2018 Excellence in Vocational Education & Training Awards ceremony.

Selection Process

Nominated employers are not required to attend an interview, however the nomination will be reviewed by a selection panel, which will include local school and industry representatives. Nominees assessed as meeting the selection criteria will be invited to the Awards ceremony to receive a “Certificate of Excellence in Vocational Education and Training”.

Nomination Forms for Excellence in Vocational Education - Employer Award

Central West
Far West
Orana

Teacher / Trainer / Coordinator Awards

Nominating a VET Teacher, Trainer or Coordinator, recognises their outstanding work and the excellence they have demonstrated in delivering outcomes for the region’s students at a vital time in their lives. It also creates the opportunity to raise the profile of VET and the career pathways that VET delivers.
Along with a great opportunity to network, it highlights and showcases the great work schools and eVET Providers are doing in Vocational Education and Training.

Completing and Submitting the Nomination

Teachers, Trainers and Coordinators involved in the delivery, assessment and management of Industry Curriculum Framework courses may be nominated for an Excellence in Vocational Education and Training Award in one of the following categories:

Category 1 – Industry and Community Collaboration
This award recognises engagement and collaboration with industry, the broader VET community or the community generally, that enhances the quality of learning for students and the outcomes they attain
Category 2 - Teaching Excellence and Innovation
This award recognises approaches to delivery and assessment that influence, motivate and inspire students to learn through a range of innovative and flexible delivery and assessment practises.
Category 3 – Student Focus and Outcomes
This award recognises the attainment of positive learning outcomes across the broad spectrum of students.

Nomination Forms for Excellence in Vocational Education - Teacher/Trainer/Coordinator Award

Central West
Far West
Orana

Student Awards

Nominating a VET student, school based apprentice or trainee for an award shows your recognition and pride in the level of skill the student has gained. It can also open many doors for you, including finding opportunities to network, raising your profile in your community and showcasing your commitment to Vocational Education and Training.

Completing and Submitting the Nomination

Complete the Nomination Form. You may submit more than one (1) nomination.
Address the Criteria. Please ensure your responses address the selection criteria as detailed in Section 3 of the Nomination Form
Submit your Nomination. The nomination form should be collated with any attachments, signed, then posted, faxed, emailed or hand delivered. Please ensure you copy the nomination prior to sending, as originals will not be returned.

Student Award Categories

Certificate of Excellence – Industry Curriculum Framework Course – Industry Category
- Students may be nominated by their work placement host employer and/or their school or registered training organisation
- The nominee must be enrolled in an Industry Curriculum Framework course and attending a school and/or TAFE Campus or other RTO in the Western Student Connections coordination area
- The qualification must be part of the student’s HSC program and due for completion in 2018
- Nominees must agree to the nomination, and sign the nomination form prior to it being lodged
- Nominees are also eligible to be VET Student of the Year in the industry category for which they are nominated
- Nominees can be nominated in more than one industry category
- Students must have completed their compulsory work placement component to be eligible

Certificate of Excellence - School Based Apprentice or Trainee – Industry Category
- Students may be nominated by their school, RTO, GTO or employer
- The nominee must be attending school and/or TAFE/RTO in the Western Student Connections coordination area and the qualification must be part of the student’s HSC program
- Nominees must have training agreements that are current during 2018 and registered with Training Services NSW (NSW Department of Industry)
- Nominees are also eligible to be VET Student of the Year in the industry category for which they are nominated
- Nominees must agree to the nomination, and sign the nomination form prior to it being lodged
- Nominees can be nominated in more than one industry category

VET Student of the Year - Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Nominees must be nominated for and be eligible to receive a Certificate of Excellence in either of the two Industry Categories above (1 or 2)
- Nominees must agree to the nomination, and sign the nomination form prior to its lodgement
- Nominees are also eligible to be VET Student of the Year in the Industry Category for which they are nominated
- Students must have completed their compulsory work placement component to be eligible

VET Student of the Year – Student with a Disability
- Students must identify as having a disability that they have successfully managed during their course of study towards the attainment of the qualification in the category for which they have been nominated
- Nominees must be nominated for and be eligible to receive a Certificate of Excellence in either of the two Industry Categories above (1 or 2)
- Nominees must agree to the nomination, and sign the nomination form prior its lodgement
- Nominees are also eligible to be VET Student of the Year in the industry for which they are nominated
- Students must have completed their compulsory work placement component to be eligible

VET Student of the Year – Student with Special Education Needs
- Students must identify as having an intellectual disability that they have successfully managed during their course of study towards the attainment of the qualification in the category for which they have been nominated
- Nominees must be nominated for and be eligible to receive a Certificate of Excellence in either of the two Industry Categories above (1 or 2)
- Nominees must agree to the nomination and sign the nomination form prior to its lodgement
- Nominees are also eligible to be VET Student of the Year in the industry for which they are nominated
- Students must have completed their compulsory work placement component to be eligible

Nomination Forms for Excellence in Vocational Education - Student Awards

Central West
Far West
Orana