FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce is reminding eligible students in the New England Electorate they only have until this Friday to nominate for the nation’s top prizes for Year 12 students undertaking vocational education and training in school.

The 2014 Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP) is part of the Abbott Government’s commitment to promoting take up of high-quality trades and training in schools.

“With skills shortages in a range of employment sectors across the country, we really do need more of our young people pursuing training in areas of demand.”

“These awards are part of our strategy to increase recognition of the ‘first-class’ career pathway provided by high-quality trades and training,” Mr Joyce said. 

The 2014 AVSP will award up to 500 outstanding Year 12 students undertaking relevant VETiS qualifications as part of their senior secondary certificate $1,000 in prize money and a certificate.

Up to 20 AVSP winners will also be eligible for the Australian Award for Skills Excellence in School.

Nominations close 8:00pm (AEDST) 28 November 2014. For more information, including on how to nominate, visit: http://www.education.gov.au/news/2014-australian-vocational-student-prize-nomination-period-closing-soon