Amid an audience of more than 250 at BMW Edge, Federation Square, The Hon. Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education and Minister for Skills and Workforce Education acknowledged students, teachers and industry players at the annual Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning Achievement Awards 2009 (VCAL Awards).

The awards held in May celebrate the achievements of students and teachers state-wide in the area of applied learning preparing students for apprenticeships, traineeships and employment, as well as for further education and training.

Minister Pike said that more than 9000 secondary students participated in VCAL in 2009 endorsing the program that takes students on a different pathway to traditional secondary school education enabling diverse challenges as they continue their studies with the many partnerships offered by community organisations.

“Different settings empower people in different ways. Our job is to tailor the education to you and thanks to the teachers we have done a good job. Congratulations to all,” said Minister Pike.

“There have been some terrific achievements, partnered by good community organisations enabling young people to learn in a different environment and with 15 new providers this year offering varied and different opportunities,” she said.

Executive Director of GTAV, Gary Workman was on hand at the Awards to present the trophy for the VCAL School Based Apprentice / Trainee Award to Craig Earl from Narre Warren South P-12 College. Craig was commended for his outstanding commitment to his studies in Retail Baking for which he worked at Bakers Delight in Fountain Gate for 18 months.
Not deterred by the 3 a.m. starts Craig now finds himself employed by Bakers Delight as a fulltime apprentice, with a South Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network Award to boot as the region’s top School Based Apprentice.

Further information visit http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/excellenceawards/vcalachievement/index.html