Celebrating Excellence: New Awards Recognise Vocational Education in Central Ranges
Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network (CRLLEN) is proud to announce the launch of the Vocational Education Awards, a groundbreaking initiative to celebrate outstanding achievements in vocational education across the Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires.
Championing Student Vocational Learning
These annual awards are dedicated to recognising exceptional student accomplishments in vocational education, highlighting their dedication, skills, and contributions across various pathways.
Nicky Leitch, CEO of Central Ranges LLEN, shared her enthusiasm,
“I am very excited to be able to implement the Central Ranges LLEN Vocational Education Awards. While I recognise that the Department of Education has their own award process, vocational education is often not recognised, but is still a very important pathway for students.
“With the introduction of the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificates, it is important to celebrate the achievements of our students who are more hands-on and learn by doing. There are plenty of awards and recognition already for our more academic learners, so I am very pleased to see our schools embracing these awards.
“The Central Ranges LLEN Mission is: ‘helping young people on their school to work journey so they can find their best job and love their best life.’ We see that celebrating vocational education is a critical component to do this.”
Award Categories
Schools are invited to nominate up to four students for these prestigious awards, with one Achievement Award available in each of the following categories:
VET in Schools (Vocational Education and Training)
VCE Vocational Major
Victorian Pathways Certificate
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
Selection Criteria
The awards will be based on students' results, attitudes, achievements, and recommendations from employers and teachers. Key selection criteria include:
Demonstrated competence in skills, knowledge, and attitude
Commitment to their vocational program
Productivity as a team member
Positivity and advocacy for vocational education
Awards Ceremony
Each school will have the opportunity to celebrate their students at their own school awards night in November. Additionally, schools in Mitchell Shire will have their nominations considered as part of the council's Youth Awards ceremony, which will feature an Education category for the first time. The winners of the Mitchell Shire Youth Awards will be announced in early November 2024.
Faye D'Helin, Chair of Central Ranges LLEN, expressed her excitement,
“We are very pleased to be introducing the Vocational Education Awards and are grateful to the support we are receiving from our current partners to help make this happen. Thank you to the Mitchell Shire Council and the HEADSTART program. We still have some funding applications in progress and hope to have some additional announcements soon.”
Student Perspective
A Year 12 student from the Central Ranges area shared, “Vocational education has given me the skills and confidence to pursue a career I'm passionate about. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we can achieve through hands-on learning.”
Get Involved
Schools are encouraged to start identifying potential nominees for these prestigious awards. The nomination form must be completed by the school and sent to:
Vicki Turner
Email: vicki@centralrangesllen.org.au
Central Ranges LLEN
PO Box 203
Romsey VIC 3434
Phone: 0499 593 104
The closing date for nominations is 25 October 2024.