Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall is encouraging all Victorians involved in vocational training to nominate for the 2014 Victorian Training Awards.

Now in its 60th year, the awards recognise the amazing achievements of students, teachers, training providers and employers in equipping individuals for the Victorian workforce.

There are 14 categories to enter, including Victorian Apprentice of the Year, Victorian VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, Victorian Employer Award for Apprentice Development and Victorian Vocational Student of the Year.

“More and more Victorians are enrolling in vocational training than ever before and we want to hear their stories,” Mr Hall said.

“These awards recognise the talent that is being developed every day through our state’s vocational training system.

“We are keen to hear about their successes and achievements through the Victorian Training Awards and I encourage anyone doing an exceptional job in the vocational training space to enter.”

Individuals can nominate for the training awards in six categories, with winners receiving a $10,000 fellowship and, in many categories, the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.

Nominations are open until 2 May 2014 and finalists will be announced on 27 June, ahead of the presentation dinner on 26 September.

Mr Hall said the Victorian vocational education and training system had evolved to best meet the needs of individual Victorians, and the state as a whole.

“In 2013, we saw 645,000 government-subsidised training places, compared with 427,900 three years ago,” Mr Hall said.

“These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those on the frontline of the Victorian vocational training system.”

For further information, please visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/trainingawards

Award categories:

Categories for individuals include:

1. Victorian School-based Apprentice of the Year Award;.
2. Victorian Apprentice of the Year Award.
3. Victorian Koorie Student of the Year Award.
4. Victorian Trainee of the Year Award.
5. Victorian Vocational Student of the Year Award.
6. Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award.

Categories for employers, training providers and schools include:
7. Victorian VET Client Service/Support Excellence Award.
8. Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year Award.
9. Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year Award.
10. Victorian VET in Schools Excellence Award.
11. Victorian Employer of the Year Award.
12. Victorian Small Employer of the Year Award.
13. Victorian Industry Collaboration Award.
14. Victorian Employer Award for Apprentice Development.

For information about Master Builders Training, visit www.mbavtraining.com.au