The National Achievement Award recognises an individual who has:

• an established history of distinguished service to the vocational education and training (VET) sector
• made a lasting contribution to VET practice
• exhibited leadership and provided inspiration to others in the VET sector
• positively influenced VET on a state, national or international level.

Selection of the nominee is made on the basis of the candidate's significant, fundamental contributions to the VET sector (whether in research, leadership, mentorship or other) and the lasting impact of these contributions to the sector.

Please note that self-nominations will be considered ineligible.

Nominees should have:

• made a positive impact on the VET sector [at either state/territory or national level]
• earned recognition by other industry, training, education or employer groups;
• the respect of professional peers
• demonstrated, over an extended period of time a contribution which has included either research, industry achievement, professional leadership and service to the VET community
• personal integrity
• up to 25 years of service to VET (if the nominee has 25 years or more of sustained service to vocational education and training, consider nominating for the Lifetime Achievement Award). 

Nominations must meet the Conditions of Entry.

Note: Nominees must be currently working in the Australian VET sector to be eligible for this award.

This award category requires the applicant to address the following criteria.

Criterion 1: History of service

• The nominee’s history of service to the VET sector such as participation on committees and workgroups, and any examples of the nominee representing the VET sector officially as a liaison to other organisations or at state,national or international meetings.
• Provide examples to demonstrate the impact and outcomes achieved for the VET sector through the nominees involvement with boards, committees etc.

(limit:800 words)

Criterion 2: Significant contribution and positive influence on the VET sector

• The nominee’s significant contribution(s) to the advancement of vocational education and training practice, including teaching or training positions or programs, awards or recognition from professional or industry groups and institutions, 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 sector?
• Include evidence of how the nominee works to advance and champion VET.
• Provide examples of the significant contributions made to VET by the nominee.

(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 leadership roles on Government committees and workgroups, advocacy, senior positions, other training, mentoring or committee participation. How have they “made a difference” in some way?
• Provide examples to demonstrate how the nominee’s leadership positively influences VET and has led to lasting impacts.

(limit:800 words)