The search is on for Australia’s budding electrical stars as the nation’s peak electrical industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) opens nominations for the 2012 Electrotechnology School Student Awards.

The annual awards, which are sponsored by NHP Electrical Engineering Products, are open to secondary school students currently enrolled in years 9 to 12 and showcase the work of the brightest electrotechnology students across Australia.

NECA national operations manager Vicky Rigler says, “NECA is proud to once again be hosting the Electrotechnology School Student Awards and we would like to thank sponsors NHP for their ongoing support.

“These awards are an excellent opportunity for secondary school students across Australia to gain recognition and be rewarded for their exceptional skills, knowledge and passion in the area of electrotechnology.”

Over 1500 letters and flyers have been sent to all secondary schools across Australia encouraging school principals, teachers and industry employers to nominate their choice for the awards which will be presented at a ceremony held in conjunction with NECA’s prestigious Apprentice Awards in Brisbane on 28 November 2012.

Cash prizes of up to $1000 and travel allowances to the awards ceremony form part of the prizes on offer as well as the opportunity to meet with industry leaders who can provide a valuable insight into pursuing a career in the electrotechnology industry.

The awards recognise excellence in two categories: Commitment to Industry and Innovation. Excellence can be demonstrated in areas including; school or extra-curricular projects, community or individual projects, Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools and work experience.

The Commitment to Industry category includes students currently undertaking school based apprenticeships or those who have demonstrated high levels of commitment to pursuing an electrical career.

The Innovation category includes students who have demonstrated excellence in electrical, electronic or communications technology inside or outside of school, and who have developed innovative projects and solutions to challenges.

Recent winning submissions have included innovative work in areas like:

• robotics;
• mechatronics;
• electrical engineering;
• sound and lighting; and
• digital technology.

For detailed criteria regarding submissions and examples of previous winning submissions visit the NECA website and follow the Awards link.

Nominations – which must be made by the student’s teacher, principal or employer – close on 14 September 2012.