2025 Victorian Training Awards nomination guide

Required supporting evidence

• Written reference from nominees’ employer, host employer, teacher or trainer, or principal.
• Signed declaration by the nominee’s employer or training provider’s (see note).
• Photo of nominee.

Notes

The employer/training provider declaration is an acknowledgement from the nominee’s employer or training provider that they are aware of the nomination and approve of any time off for activities related to the Victorian Training Awards e.g. finalist interviews, gala ceremony, professional development workshops etc.

Download

• Employer / Training Provider Declaration form(opens in a new window)

Required supporting evidence

• Signed declaration by the nominee’s school principal (see note).

Notes

A school declaration is an acknowledgment from the principal of the nominee’s school that they are aware of the nomination and approve of any absence for activities related to the Victorian Training Awards e.g. finalist interviews, gala ceremony, professional development workshops etc.

Download

• School Declaration form(opens in a new window)

Required supporting evidence

• Evidence of qualification
• Written reference from employer or host employer
• Signed declaration by the nominee’s employer/training provider (see note).
• Photo of nominee

Notes

The employer/training provider declaration is an acknowledgment from the nominee’s employer or training provider that they are aware of the nomination and approve of any time off for activities related to the Victorian Training Awards e.g. finalist interviews, gala ceremony, professional development workshops etc.

Download

• Employer / Training Provider Declaration form(opens in a new window)

Required supporting evidence

• Up to 3 single A4 pages of relevant evidence.
• Photo of nominee.

Required supporting evidence

• Up to 5 relevant photographs showcasing the organisation or initiative.
• Signed business endorsement by the CEO/MD of the nominating organisation (see note).
• Full colour logo (EPS format).

Notes

A business endorsement is an acknowledgment from the CEO/MD of the nominating organisation, that they endorse the nomination submitted on behalf of the organisation.

Download

• Business Endorsement form(opens in a new window)

Required supporting evidence

• Evidence of enrolled student numbers as reported by the nominee to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), in their most recent annual data collection period.

The Apprentice of the Year Award is presented to a Victorian apprentice who has displayed outstanding achievement in all aspects of their trade. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• have a training contract registered with
• the Victorian Registration and
• Qualifications Authority
• have completed or be due to complete, your nationally recognised training course in the period 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2025 in the state of Victoria
• Have completed or be due to complete your training in the state of Victoria
• not be enrolled in school.

Overview

Provide a short overview covering a description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your training provider and employer (if applicable) as well as your reason for choosing your industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Career and study achievements

Tell us about:

• why you chose your course
• what you have learnt and how you have changed
• what have you gained from your time studying
• how have you contributed to your workplace.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Team and communication skills

Tell us about:

• what you have been able to tell others (workmates, employers, friends or family) about your training
• what you like about working in a team setting
• what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Ability to be an ambassador (representative) for training in Victoria

Tell us about:

• times when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of work
• times when you have been a representative for your course, your training provider or another cause outside of your training
• how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Other qualities and pursuits

Tell us about:

• any challenges that you have overcome during your training
• times you have used initiative either in your training, your personal life or your workplace
• the qualities or activities you feel make you well suited to take on the role of Apprentice of the Year
• your involvement in other community or industry pursuits.

(Limit: 400 words)

The Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a Victorian individual who is undertaking a traineeship and has been outstanding in all aspects of their training. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• have a training contract registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
• have completed or be due to complete, your nationally recognised training course in the period 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2025 in the state of Victoria
• not be enrolled in school.

Overview

Provide a short overview covering a description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your training provider and employer (if applicable) as well as your reason for choosing your industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Career and study achievements

Tell us about:

• why you chose your course
• what you have learnt and how you have changed
• what you have gained from your time studying
• how you have contributed to your workplace.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Team and communication skills

Tell us about:

• what have you been able to tell others (workmates, employers, friends or family) about your training
• what you like about working in a team setting
• what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Ability to be an ambassador for training in Victoria

Tell us about:

• times when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of work
• times when you have been a representative for your course, your training provider or another cause outside of your training
• how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Other qualities and pursuits

Tell us about:

• any challenges that you have overcome during your training
• times you have used initiative either in your training, your personal life or your workplace
• the qualities or activities you feel would be useful in your role as Trainee of the Year
• your involvement in other community or industry pursuits.

(Limit: 400 words)

The Vocational Student of the Year Award is presented to a student whose outstanding achievement in a course of study led to a nationally recognised qualification. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• have completed or be due to complete, your nationally recognised training course in the period 1 July 2024 – 31 December 2025 in the state of Victoria
• be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student (but not as an apprentice or trainee).

Overview

Provide a short overview covering a description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your training provider and employer (if applicable) as well as your reason for choosing your industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Career and study achievements

Tell us about:

• why you chose your course
• what you have learnt and how you have changed
• what you have gained from your time studying
• how you have contributed to your workplace.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Team and communication skills

Tell us about:

• what have you been able to tell others (workmates, employers, friends or family) about your training
• what you like about working in a team setting
• what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Ability to be an ambassador for training in Victoria

Tell us about:

• times when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of work
• times when you have been a representative for your course, your training provider or another cause outside of your training
• how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Other qualities and pursuits

Tell us about:

• any challenges that you have overcome during your training
• times you have used initiative either in your training, your personal life or your workplace
• the qualities or activities you feel would be useful in your role as Vocational Student of the Year
• your involvement in other community or industry pursuits.

(Limit: 400 words)

The School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award is presented to a student who is undertaking a Certificate II or above qualification as a part-time Victorian School-based Apprentice or Trainee. The award recognises the student’s commitment to their formal studies at school and in the workplace. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• be enrolled at school in Victoria
• be undertaking or completing a Certificate II or above qualification, through a Victorian School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship
• have a training contract registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.

Overview

Provide a short overview covering a description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your training provider and employer (if applicable) as well as your reason for choosing your industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Career and study achievements

Tell us about:

• why you chose your course
• what you have learnt and how you have changed
• what you have gained from your time studying
• how you have contributed to your workplace.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Team and communication skills

Tell us about:

• what you have been able to tell others (workmates, employers, friends or family) about your training
• what you like about working in a team setting
• what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Ability to be an ambassador for training in Victoria

Tell us about:

• times when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of school
• times when you have been a representative for your course, your training provider/school or another cause outside of your training
• how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Other qualities and pursuits

Tell us about:

• any challenges that you have overcome during your training
• times you used initiative either in your training, your personal life or your school
• the qualities or activities you feel would be useful in your role as School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
• your involvement in other community or industry pursuits.

(Limit: 400 words)

The Koorie Student of the Year Award recognises the achievements of a Koorie student who demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• meet the eligibility requirements for any of the individual student categories:
  • Apprentice of the Year
  • Trainee of the Year
  • Vocational Student of the Year
  • School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year.

Overview

Provide a short overview covering a description of the qualification you are enrolled in, your training provider and employer (if applicable) as well as your reason for choosing your industry and training path.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Career and study achievements

Tell us about:

• why you chose your course
• what you have learnt and how you have changed
• what you have gained from your time studying
• any challenges that you have overcome during your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Team and communication skills

Tell us about:

• what have you been able to tell others (workmates, employers, friends or family) about your training
• what you like about working in a team setting
• what traits you think are important to positively influence others.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Ability to be an ambassador for training in Victoria

Tell us about:

• times when you have taken a leadership role inside or outside of work/school
• times when you have been a representative for your course, your training provider or another cause outside of your training
• how you would describe the quality of your training.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Other qualities and pursuits

Tell us about:

• how you are connected with your community or extended family
• how the training has impacted on your community
• the qualities or activities you feel would be useful in your role as Koorie Student of the Year
• how have you contributed to your community.

(Limit: 400 words)

The Teacher or Trainer of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by a teacher or trainer providing nationally recognised training to students in the TAFE and training sector. The winner of this award will represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia
• be a qualified teacher/trainer (as determined by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs))
• be employed (or regularly contracted) by a registered training provider
• Have delivered training in Victoria (from 1 January 2024 - 31 December 2025) which will lead/has led to nationally recognised qualifications or Statements of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework
• All applicants must be endorsed by the RTO and evidence of the teacher/trainer’s qualification must be submitted with the application.

Overview

Provide an overview of your areas of expertise, qualifications, courses and/or classes taught, education and work background. Please also provide a description of the environment in which you operate and any specific challenges you encountered and overcame during the course of teaching or training.

(Limit: 300 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Excellence and initiatives

Tell us about:

• what involvement you have had in the development of new learning methodologies and training delivery
• an initiative you have implemented which has led to innovation or improvement in your delivery and/or assessment practice
• how you have shared the outcomes of your innovation or improvement with your colleagues
• the impact of these initiatives or improvements on your learners, your colleagues and your industry partners.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 2

Learner needs and focus

Tell us about:

• how you support your learners’ diverse needs and ensure they continue to be engaged in learning
• what evidence there is of the effectiveness of the design and delivery methodologies of your training program
• examples where you have initiated a new idea or activity etc. in response to feedback
• what learner, industry and/or community feedback mechanisms you have utilised.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 3

Commitment to vocational educating and training (VET) teaching and learning

Tell us about:

• how you maintain and grow your own skills and knowledge
• how you support others to develop their skills and knowledge
• examples of your engagement with other VET professionals.

(Limit: 400 words)

Criterion 4

Links with industry and the community

Tell us about:

• how active links with industry and the community are implemented in practice
• what are the major issues confronting the industry/industries related to your teaching program
• how VET practices can help address these issues
• what level of engagement you have with industry and professional bodies
• how you promote VET in industry and the community.

(Limit: 400 words)

The Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector award is presented in recognition of an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the Victorian TAFE and training sector for more than 15 years.

A contribution may be an innovation, new knowledge, or ways to improve professional practice deemed to be above and beyond the everyday with a long-lasting impact within the sector.

This award has unique nomination procedures and eligibility.

• Individuals cannot self-nominate for this award category, nominations must be made on behalf of an individual.
• Nominees do not need to be currently employed to be eligible for this award.
• Once an individual has been nominated for the award, they become an enduring nominee and, if not successful initially, are eligible for consideration for this award in subsequent years.
• A posthumous nomination can be made for this award.

The nomination follows the eligibility set by the Australian Training Awards.

The nominated individual must:

• have an established history of distinguished service to the TAFE and training sector (15 years or more, of sustained service)
• have made a positive and lasting contribution to the TAFE and training sector
• be recognised by other industry, training, education or employer groups, and have the respect of professional peers
• be acknowledged as having reached a pinnacle of their profession or industry
• have demonstrated, over an extended period of time, a contribution which has included either research, industry achievement, professional leadership or service to the TAFE and training sector
• have demonstrated high-levels of personal integrity
• have exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the TAFE and training sector
• have positively influenced the TAFE and training sector in Victoria
• have made significant and fundamental contributions and be able to demonstrate a lifetime commitment to the TAFE and training sector.

Overview

Provide a short overview of the person, their achievements and the reason for the nomination.

(Limit: 400 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

History of service

Consider the nominee’s history of service to the VET and skills sector - in particular, positions of leadership the nominee has held such as on boards or as chair of committees. Any other known history in the sector, such as participation on committees and workgroups, and any examples of the nominee representing the VET and skills sector officially as a liaison to other organisations or at state, national or international meetings.

Additionally, consideration is given to an individual’s broader contributions to the VET and skills sector.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Significant contribution and positive influence on the VET and skills sector

Consider the nominee’s significant contribution(s) to the advancement of vocational education and training practice and skills development, including teaching or training positions or programs, awards or recognition from professional or industry groups and institutions, and/or innovative approaches to difficulties.

How will the nominee’s story inspire others to higher standards in their work or to raise the communities’ perception of the VET and skills sector?

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Leadership

The nominee’s leadership in the field of vocational education and training including, but not limited to, positively influencing policy or practice on a state, national or international level. This may include government committees and workgroups, advocacy, senior positions, other training, mentoring or committee participation.

How have they “made a difference” in some way?

(Limit: 800 words)

The Small Employer of the Year Award celebrates small businesses that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training for their employees. The winner of this award will be nominated to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training for your employees that leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment, issued by a registered training organisation (RTO) under the Australian Qualifications Framework
• employ 99 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

Note: nominations will not be accepted from organisations whose core business is the delivery of vocational education and training (these organisations may consider nominating for either the Large or Small Training Provider of the Year).

Overview

Provide a brief description of your business, including the products and/or services offered, plus any major milestones that have been achieved.

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Extent and quality of training for employees

Tell us about:

• how your organisation (either alone or in partnership with training organisations) has designed training specifically for your business
• the qualifications or courses that your employees are undertaking
• the percentage of your employees who are actively engaged in training
• how many hours per month (average) that your employees spend in training
• how you integrate on-the-job and off-the-job training
• how you commit to equity in training such as for employees who are from groups that are under-represented in employment, education and training (such as people with disabilities, indigenous people, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people in older age groups, people living in remote areas).

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Achievements of the business and its employees that can be attributed to training

Tell us about:

• how training has improved the productivity and well-being of your employees (briefly describe the personal training achievements of a few of your staff)
• how training has improved your relationships with clients
• how training has improved the productivity and profitability of your business
• how you measure the benefits of training
• how training will improve your business in the future
• how training is integrated into business planning.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Innovation and excellence in design and delivery of training

Tell us about:

• how your business has shown creativity, innovation and excellence in the design, development and delivery of training for your employees
• the innovative methods that you use to create positive relationships or partnerships with others to enhance the effectiveness of your training
• the innovative approaches that you use to encourage training
• for your employees (e.g. mentoring, e-learning, collaborative learning).

(Limit: 800 words)

The Large Employer of the Year Award celebrates large businesses and enterprises that have achieved excellence in the provision of nationally recognised training to their employees. The winner of this award will be nominated to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training for your employees that leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Qualifications Framework
• employ 100 or more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

Note: nominations will not be accepted from organisations whose core business is the delivery of vocational education and training (these organisations may consider nominating for either the Large or Small Training Provider of the Year Award).

Overview

Provide a brief description of your business, including the products and/or services offered, plus any major milestones that have been achieved.

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Extent and quality of training to employees

Tell us about:

• how your organisation (either alone or in partnership with training organisations) has designed training specifically for your business
• the qualifications or courses that your employees are undertaking
• the percentage of your employees who are actively engaged in training
• how many hours per month (average) that your employees spend in training
• how you integrate on-the-job and off-the-job training.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Achievements of the business and its employees that can be attributed to training

Tell us about:

• how training has improved the productivity and well-being of your employees (briefly describe the personal training achievements of a few of your staff)
• how training has improved your relationships with clients
• how training has improved the productivity and profitability of your business
• how you measure the benefits of training
• how training will improve your business in the future.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Integration of training into business planning

Tell us about:

• the training aims of your business
• the ‘training culture’ that you have established within your business
• how training fits into your workforce development and business planning
• how you have formalised an ongoing commitment to training
• how you assess the training needs of your employees.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 4

Innovation and excellence in design and delivery of training

Tell us about:

• how your business has shown creativity, innovation and excellence in the design, development and delivery of training for your employees
• the innovative methods that you use to create positive relationships or partnerships with others to enhance the effectiveness of your training
• the innovative approaches that you use to encourage training for your employees (e.g. mentoring, e-learning, collaborative learning).

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 5

Commitment to equity in training

Tell us about:

• how you commit to equity in training such as for employees who are from groups that are under-represented in employment, education and training (such as people with disabilities, indigenous people, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people in older age groups, people living in remote areas)
• the number of these employees who have actively engaged in training
• the number of these employees who have actively trained for managerial or supervisory jobs
• the training programs that have been specifically designed for these employees.

(Limit: 800 words)

The Employer Award for Apprenticeship Development recognises those employers who have made innovative improvements in training which provide beneficial outcomes for their Victorian apprentices and/or trainees and their local community. This is a Victorian-only award and does not articulate to the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• be an employer of Victorian apprentices or trainees at some time between 1 January 2024 and 5 June 2025
• have a formalised training contracts of apprenticeships or traineeships.

Overview

Provide a brief description of your business, including the products and/or services offered, plus any major milestones that have been.

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Innovation in the delivery of training for apprentices and/or trainees

Tell us about:

• how you have demonstrated innovation in your approach to the design and delivery of training for apprentices and/or trainees
• the training programs and initiatives you have implemented and how they have improved outcomes for apprentices and/or trainees
• any processes or new approaches you have adopted for the delivery of the training
• any unique elements of the training program(s)
• the availability of quality training pathways.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Links with training providers and the community

Tell us about:

• how you have partnered or collaborated with training providers and the broader community to deliver innovative training and skill outcomes
• the partners included in the training of apprentices and/or trainees, including RTOs and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers
• the extent of participation and the benefits of these partnerships
• how the skills required within the local community have been met
• how the training programs have been promoted externally.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Apprentice and/or trainee outcomes

Tell us about:

• how your approach to training has impacted positively on individual apprentices and/or trainees
• evidence of successful learning outcomes for apprentices and/or trainees (for example, data relating to their progress, positive work outcomes and retention and completion rates)
• if you have customised training/developed innovative use of recognition of prior learning and skills acquisition
• if your individual apprentices and/or trainees have increased their foundation skill levels
• any workplace mentoring in place and the resultant benefits.

(Limit: 800 words)

The Industry Collaboration Award recognises exemplary skills development collaborations between at least one employer or industry body and at least one organisation delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training. The winner of this award will be nominated to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

The collaboration must:

• have at least one party who is an industry organisation (e.g. employer, enterprise, group of enterprises, industry association, industry advisory body, trade union or professional association)
• have at least one party who is delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training or directly contributing to the outcomes of nationally recognised vocational education and training which leads to formal qualifications or Statements of Attainment under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Note: applications will not be accepted from organisations operating under contractual ‘partnership’ agreements.

Overview

Provide an overview of the collaboration.

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Outstanding practice of the collaboration

Tell us about:

• the basis of the collaboration agreement that have been so successful
• the specific training need being addressed by the collaboration
• the exemplary or innovative aspects that are a feature of the collaboration.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Achievements of the collaboration for training

Tell us about:

• examples of excellence in the training delivered
• the training outcomes that have been achieved (including qualifications and skill sets awarded)
• the improvements in the quality of learning and assessment that have been implemented
• any new or improved career pathways and opportunities that have been created.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Training impacts of the collaboration

Tell us about:

• how the collaboration has benefited the participants, the community, the collaborating organisations and the broader training system
• the improvements in the process or procedures of all collaborating organisations that have been implemented
• what contribution is there to social equity, especially increasing the participation of people from groups underrepresented in the industry or workplaces.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 4

Sustainability and future of the collaboration

Tell us about:

• any aspects of the collaboration that utilises government funding. If so, how could the collaboration be continued if government funding ceased?
• how the outcomes of the collaboration can be replicated or modelled for other industries
• the quality improvement or performance evaluations of the collaboration that are in place and planned.

(Limit: 800 words)

The Community Training Provider of the Year Award recognises innovation and excellence by an organisation involved in improving skills in the local community or workplace. This is a Victorian-only award and does not articulate to the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• deliver training in Victoria
• have a history of timely compliance with contractual obligations and program requirements
• be registered with the ACFE Board as a Learn Local organisation
• have delivered ACFE Board-funded pre-accredited training in 2024.

Overview

Provide a brief description of your organisation including a little bit about your organisation’s history, the training you deliver, including pre-accredited training and tell us the reasons why you are applying for this award.

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Quality training programs

Tell us about:

• the opportunities, further learning and employment pathways your programs support
• how you ensure quality in the successful delivery of your programs
• what challenges have been overcome in planning and implementing your training programs
• how your training programs have a positive impact beyond the organisation in the wider community or environment
• what other ways you support learners to achieve their goals
• how you tailor delivery of your programs to demonstrate creativity, excellence and/or innovation.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Understanding your local community and how you attract learners

Tell us about:

• how you attract different cohorts of students to your programs, including those who experience barriers to participation in education and employment
• what degree of success your organisation has had in meeting the needs of learners facing barriers
• what your organisation does to encourage participation, engage learners and maintain good learner completion rates
• any systems and processes for collecting and analysing data on client needs and expectations
• how you support learners to connect with the local community.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Continuous improvement and partnerships with the local community

Tell us about:

• how you evaluate and review the efficacy of your programs
• how you continuously improve systems and processes within the organisation
• how your organisation connects with employers and other organisations or groups in your local community
• your organisation’s strategies to identify local and or regional issues (such as social, economic or environmental issues) and how you incorporate these into the programs you deliver
• what partnership or networks your organisation has established that has had positive outcomes for learners in your organisation or
• your local community.

(Limit: 800 words)

The Inclusive Training Provider of the Year Award recognises exceptional training providers within Victoria’s vocational education and training sector that have demonstrated outstanding improvements regarding the engagement, well-being and achievements of students with disability. This is a Victorian-only award and does not articulate to the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• be a training provider whose core business is the delivery of training in Victoria
• be a training provider delivering an inclusive curriculum for students with a disability and or additional needs
• have an effective Disability Action Plan and inclusive and accessible employment plans in place.

Overview

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

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

Focus on students

Tell us about:

• how you make a positive impact on the engagement, well-being and achievements of students with additional needs
• improvements you have made to increase understanding about students with disability and additional needs
• how you engage with students with disability, their families and carers, to ensure their needs are considered and addressed, facilitating inclusive practices to deliver strong outcomes.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Quality and inclusive teaching and learning

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate excellent curriculum, teaching, assessment and reporting practices in response to the needs of students with disability
• innovative uses of technology to deliver an inclusive curriculum for students with a wide range of functional impairments
• how you ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support students with disability.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Community and system engagement

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate working in partnership with schools, networks, regions and the community to develop an understanding of students with additional needs
• how you foster partnerships in local communities to increase employment opportunities for students with disability, building pathways from training to employment.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 4

Implementing improvement, innovation and change

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate leadership and implementation of initiatives or programs that meet the needs of students with additional needs
• how these are developed and delivered in line with best practice principles
• how you develop and maintain positive and purposeful relationships with schools, networks, regions and the community to improve collaborative practices, and positively impact the reputation of Victoria’s VET system.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 5

Inclusive workplace

Tell us about:

• how you model effective Disability Action Plans and inclusive and accessible employment practices to demonstrate to industry partners and other employers the benefits of a diverse workforce
• how you demonstrate commitment to support current staff with disability and a track record of increasing the numbers of staff with disability
• your inclusion of people with disability in the teaching and delivery of disability employment qualifications.

(Limit: 800 words)

The Small Training Provider of the Year Award recognises small registered training organisations (RTOs) that offer a range of training products and services and demonstrate excellence in all aspects of vocational education and training. The winner of this Award will be nominated to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• be a registered training provider whose core business is the delivery of training in Victoria
• have fewer than 500 students enrolled at the time of nomination, as reported in the most recent annual National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data collection period.

Overview

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

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

High quality and leading practice in vocational education and training

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate excellence in nationally accredited training
• how you provide creative and innovative solutions to emerging training needs
• the systems you have in place to manage, evaluate and enhance your VET products and services
• how you implement and keep up with best practice
• how you measure success (e.g. outcome and completion data, satisfaction surveys, independent validations and evaluations, industry recognition, business outcomes from training activity)
• how you undertake continuous improvement and apply quality controls within your organisation.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Meeting student needs

Tell us about:

• how you encourage access to your VET products and services
• what support services you provide to students during their training
• the systems you have in place to reach different cohorts (e.g. online training)
• how you provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace
• how satisfied students are with their training
• how you are inclusive of different students’ needs
• the success you have achieved in meeting the needs of disadvantaged student groups (such as people with disabilities, indigenous people, people in older age groups, people living in remote areas).

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Meeting industry needs

Tell us about:

• how you build new, innovative and effective partnerships with industry in the local or wider community
• how you collect data on, and understand industry/business needs and expectations
• how your training reflects changing industry requirements and expectations, and your capacity/flexibility to meet new training needs.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 4

High quality business management

Tell us about:

• the strategies you have in place to identify local/regional issues (e.g. social, economic, industrial or environmental issues) and how you incorporate these into your service delivery
• the systems you have in place for planning and communicating your purpose, vision, goals, values and core business strategies (and for creating alignment across your whole organisation)
• how you develop the capability and capacity of your workforce
• the strategies you have in place to build a positive workplace culture and support employee wellbeing and positive mental health
• how you incorporate inclusion and diversity into running your business
• how you enrol, train and report on online learners
• how you ensure the sustainability of your operations, including your understanding of risk and risk management.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 5

Innovation and excellence in design and delivery of training

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate creativity, innovation and excellence in the design, development and delivery of training
• how you demonstrate creativity and innovation in the design and development of your processes and techniques (operational)
• innovative methods that you use to create positive relationships or partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of your training
• innovative approaches that you use to encourage access to training for your students (e.g. mentoring, e-learning, collaborative learning).

(Limit: 800 words)

The Large Training Provider of the Year Award recognises large registered training organisations (RTOs) that offer a range of training products and services and demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training. The winner of this award will be nominated to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Eligibility

Your organisation must:

• be a registered training provider whose core business is the delivery of training in Victoria
• have 500 or more students enrolled at the time of nomination, as reported in the most recent annual National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data collection period.

Overview

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

(Limit: 500 words)

Selection criteria

Criterion 1

High quality and leading practice in vocational education and training

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate excellence in nationally accredited training
• how you provide creative and innovative solutions to emerging training needs
• the systems you have in place to manage, evaluate and enhance your VET products and services
• how you implement and keep up with best practice
• how you measure success (e.g. outcome and completion data, satisfaction surveys, independent validations and evaluations, industry recognition, business outcomes from training activity)
• how you undertake continuous improvement and apply quality controls within your organisation.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 2

Meeting student needs

Tell us about:

• how you encourage access to your VET products and services
• what support services you provide to students during their training
• the systems you have in place to reach different cohorts (e.g. online training)
• how you provide students with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace
• how satisfied students are with their training
• the success you have achieved in meeting the needs of disadvantaged student groups (such as people with disabilities, indigenous people, people in older age groups, people living in remote areas).

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 3

Meeting industry needs

Tell us about:

• how you build new, innovative and effective partnerships with industry in the local or wider community
• how you collect data on, and understand industry/business needs and expectations
• how your training reflects changing industry requirements and expectations, and your capacity/flexibility to meet new training needs.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 4

High quality business management

Tell us about:

• the strategies you have in place to identify local/regional issues (e.g. social, economic, industrial or environmental issues) and how you incorporate these into your service delivery
• the systems you have in place for planning and communicating your purpose, vision, goals, values and core business strategies (and for creating alignment across your whole organisation)
• how you develop the capability and capacity of your workforce
• the strategies you have in place to build a positive workplace culture and support employee wellbeing and positive mental health
• how you incorporate inclusion and diversity into running your business
• how you enrol, train and report on online learners
• how you ensure the sustainability of your operations, including your understanding of risk and risk management.

(Limit: 800 words)

Criterion 5

Innovation and excellence in design and delivery of training

Tell us about:

• how you demonstrate creativity, innovation and excellence in the design, development and delivery of training
• how you demonstrate creativity and innovation in the design and development of your processes and techniques (operational)
• innovative methods that you use to create positive relationships or partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of your training
• innovative approaches that you use to encourage access to training for your students (e.g. mentoring, e-learning, collaborative learning).

(Limit: 800 words)