2008 Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP)

From 2008 onwards, the timing of the Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) has been aligned with that of the Australian Students Prize (formerly the Lord Florey Student Prize).

The AVSP recognises and rewards outstanding senior secondary students undertaking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship. It is the vocational equivalent to the Australian Students Prize for academic achievement.

In previous years, school principals nominated students for the Australian Vocational Student Prize in early-to-mid Year 12, on the basis of the student's achievements up to that point. By comparison, the Australian Students Prize has always rewarded the highest achieving students based on their completed academic results received at the end of Year 12.

Awarding the Australian Vocational Student Prize, based on completed Year 12 and VET results, ensures that all winners are indeed the highest achieving and most deserving students undertaking a VET in Schools program or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

Aligning the Australian Vocational Student Prize with the Australian Students Prize means that the AVSP nomination announcement and administration processes will now be changed.

Students who are nominated by their school principals for the 2008 AVSP, and who are due to complete their Year 12 studies at the end of 2008, will now be awarded their prizes in early-to-mid 2009. There will be no Australian Vocational Student Prizes awarded in the calendar year 2008.

It is expected that AVSP nominations will open in mid-October 2008 and close in early March 2009.

The establishment of the Australian Vocational Student Prize is an important initiative by the Commonwealth Government that recognises vocational education and training as a valuable and desirable pathway for students. It complements other initiatives and programs in both the school and VET sectors aimed at promoting VET as an important career pathway equivalent to other secondary and tertiary education.

Each year, this Prize rewards up to 500 Year 12 students who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and achievement while participating in VET in Schools programs or Australian School-based Apprenticeships. Students are nominated by their school principal and winners each receive a cash prize of $2,000 and a certificate.

The most outstanding recipients of the Australian Vocational Student Prize are selected for the Prime Minister’s Award for Skills Excellence in School. Winners of this prestigious award include the highest achieving student in each state and territory, the highest achieving Indigenous student, and the highest achieving student by industry category.

Enquiries should be directed to: Telephone - 1300 363 079 Email - avsp@deewr.gov.au

PLEASE NOTE CHANGES TO TIMING USING LINK BELOW:

Please be advised that there are changes to the timing and process for the 2008 Australian Vocational Student Prize.
The following weblink provides you with information on some important changes in the timing of the Australian Government's 2008 Australian Vocational Student Prize.

The Australian Vocational Student Prize recognises vocational education and training (VET) as a valuable and desirable pathway for students. Each year, the Australian Vocational Student Prize rewards up to 500 Year 12 students who have demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment and achievement in VET in Schools programs or Australian School-based Apprenticeships. Each winner receives a cash prize of $2,000 and a certificate.
For information on the timing of the 2008 Australian Vocational Student Prize, please refer to the attached document.