University isn’t for everyone, and an apprenticeship or trades study can be just as fulfilling.

“NECA encourages school students in Years 9 through to 12 to consider taking up a trade,” says NECA chief executive officer Suresh Manickam.

“We have a proud history of delivering skills and apprenticeship training to school leavers and our School Students Award program has been offered for over a decade.”

About the Awards

NECA seeks to encourage students who have demonstrated considerable talent or passion for Electrotechnology. These awards provide an opportunity to reward students who have excelled in their studies or in their extra-curricular activities and who have demonstrated a commitment to learning about the opportunities of our industry.

The Awards recognise two areas of excellence: Commitment to Industry and Innovation.

Commitment to Industry

The Commitment to Industry category is targeted towards students following a school-based apprenticeship or similar vocational path who have demonstrated a keen commitment to pursuing an electrical career.

Innovation

The Innovation category includes students who have demonstrated excellence in electrical related categories, and have developed innovative solutions to challenges. Projects could use electronics, mechantronics, communication or electrical technology, robotics, digital technology or similar.

How to get involved

The awards are for students enrolled in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 who have demonstrated excellence in Innovation – including electrical, electronic or communications technology – inside or outside of school, students currently undertaking a school based apprenticeship or those committed to pursuing an electrical career through demonstrated work experience.

Application forms for the NECA School Students award can be found here whilst further information on the entry criteria and prizes can be found here.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 11 September.