WA Apprentice of the Year

sponsored by the Department of Training and Workforce Development

The WA Apprentice of the Year will win a $7000 study grant and the chance to represent Western Australia at the Australian Training Awards.

ELIGIBILITY

You must:

• be a permanent resident of Australia and reside in Western Australia;
• have completed or due to complete your training contract between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012 in a training course that leads to a nationally recognised qualification; and
• be registered with ApprentiCentre as an apprentice or trainee.

To check if you are registered as an apprentice or trainee with ApprentiCentre call 13 19 54.

PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION

Section A: Overview

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

Section B: Selection criteria
Applicants will be judged against the following.

Criterion 1: Career and study achievements

Consider and address things such as:

• any personal or career gains you have achieved from participating in your studies and your job;
• how you can demonstrate your understanding of the value of learning; and
• how you have integrated on-the-job and off-the-job training and what benefits this has held.

Criterion 2: Communication, team and leadership skills

Consider and address things such as:

• effective oral and written communication;
• your level of self-reliance and resilience in times of challenge;
• effective team participation;
• leadership and promotion of your training, industry or other things you are involved in; and
• your capacity to be an effective ambassador for your industry, community and Australia.

Criterion 3: Other pursuits

Include information about:

• your achievements in areas other than study and work;
• your involvement in the community; and
• your awareness of current social, economic and political issues.

Criterion 4: Ability to represent the training system at a broader level

Tell us about:

• any knowledge or understanding you have gained of new developments and trends in your workplace or industry and the vocational education and training system; and
• any messages you might have that could encourage others who are interested in entering your training pathway

Section C: Attachments

Training and education certificates
Copies of your training and education certificates (since you left secondary school in the case of apprentices and trainees) including courses you have completed.

Awards and prizes
Copies of any certificates or prizes you may have been awarded such as a sporting award, community service award or special recognition by your employer. (Please don’t send originals as applications cannot be returned.)

Reference
Provide at least one written reference from either your employer or lecturer.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

To be considered for an award the following conditions of entry must be met (please read carefully as there are no exceptions):

• Applications must be received by 5.00 pm on Friday 11 May 2012.
• Applicants must apply for one category only.
• Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria.
• Applicants must personally address all criteria.
• Student applications must be a maximum of 10 pages; five pages addressing the criteria plus five pages of attachments.
• Applications must be typed in 12pt Arial font on single-sided, plain A4 paper and stapled in the top left hand corner. Do not ring bind, use cardboard covers, plastic sleeves or folders etc.
• All sections of the application form must be completed. The form must also be signed by the applicant and appropriate referee(s).
• By entering the Awards, finalists and winners agree for their photographs, profiles and training details to be used for promotional purposes by the Government of Western Australia.
• Applicants must comply with Department standards in regards to training, workplace health and safety and industrial relations matters.
• Semi-finalists must attend the Semi-finalist Judging Day on Friday 13 July 2012 to remain eligible.
• Finalists must attend the Awards Presentation Dinner on Friday 14 September 2012.
• Applicants must agree to abide by the decision of the selection panel and no appeals will be entered into.