VET Innovation for Schools

The VET Innovation for Schools award recognises excellence in schools that are developing innovative and new mechanisms for encouraging VET pathways in their schools so that their models and programs can be publicised and shared with schools across the state.

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Eligibility criteria

To nominate for this award, an organisation must:

  • meet the conditions of entry requirements
  • have delivered VET programs to secondary school students within the past two years
  • delivered VET programs must be based on national training packages or accredited courses that lead to qualifications or a Statement of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework
  • ensure VET programs also are based on the SACE Board register of accredited training for use in schools.

Collaborative ventures between schools and other VET stakeholders (including public/private RTOs and GTOs) are encouraged

One application will be accepted for collaborative ventures of this nature.

Please note this is a South Australia-only award category. 2023 winners of this category are not nominated for the Australian Training Awards.

Applicants are encouraged to consider submitting a direct entry to the Australian Training Awards (ATA) for its School Pathways to VET award. Normally ATA direct entry categories applications close on the 31 May.

Preparing your application

Overview

This information will not be considered or used for shortlisting or judging purposes but may be used as a summary of your organisation throughout the awards process.

Section A: Overview

Provide a brief description of your program, including the reasons why you are applying for this award.

(limit: 500 words)

Section B: Applicants will be judged against the following criteria:

  • Criterion 1: Innovation in VET Pathways
  • Criterion 2: Strategic best practice
  • Criterion 3: Student and staff focus
  • Criterion 4: Employer and community collaboration

Addressing the criteria

This information will be considered and used for shortlisting and judging purposes. Please be aware your responses to the criteria will be strengthened by including measurable and verifiable indicators, including student outcome data, client satisfaction data and external validation data.

The considerations listed under each criterion clarify what to include when addressing the criterion.

Describe the training and include consideration of:

  • your teaching and learning environments, including any unique aspects
  • integration of VET within the general school learning environment, and how you ensure this links with recognised training and employment opportunities
  • development of enterprise and employability skills
  • innovative structure, content and delivery of your VET programs that sets you apart from other schools and training organisations
  • capacity to share and replicate your VET program (and the systems you have developed to enable this) with other schools and training organisations across the state.

(limit: 800 words)

Describe how your school plans, coordinates and resources - include consideration of:

  • the extent to which you consider state and national labour market needs and industry skills requirements
  • flexible curriculum and timetabling that allows for structured workplace learning and flexible vocational pathways
  • engagement with ongoing VET policy reform at both national and state level
  • the breadth of resources used for VET and how you acquire and manage those resources
  • processes implemented to ensure the sustainability of your VET programs.

(limit: 800 words)

Describe how your school measures the success of VET and include consideration of:

  • how VET programs are leading to successful outcomes for students in further education, training and employment
  • the collection and analysis of data on student progress, transitions and completions
  • identifying and meeting the training requirements and professional development needs of your staff
  • the impact of your VET programs on students, including any who may (in some way) be marginalised
  • your review of the effectiveness of your VET programs to ensure continuous improvement at both a program and school level.

(limit: 800 words)

Describe the impact of your VET programs on local employers and the broader community and include consideration of:

  • the collaboration you have developed to ensure students have ease of transition to employment or further learning
  • the support your VET programs have received from local employers and the broader community
  • the expansion of available training pathways, in particular for the broader community
  • promotion of VET and student outcomes (both internally and externally)
  • the change in attitude towards skilled careers amongst the schooling sector and broader community.

(limit: 800 words)

Up to five (5) single sided A4 page attachments are permitted, with each attachment to be provided at a 100 per cent ratio, one document per page. Attachments must be referenced in your application. No multimedia items or discs will be accepted, and any material exceeding the maximum number of attachments (5) will not be considered.

Ready to apply?

Applications close 6pm on Sunday 11 June 2023.

All applications must be completed and submitted online via satraining.awardsplatform.com.

Apply now

  • 17 April 2023 - Applications open
  • 11 June 2023 - Applications close 6pm
  • July 2023 - Judging
  • 21 September 2023 - South Australian Training Awards celebration event
  • 17 November 2023 - Australian Training Awards presentation event (Hobart)