Category information
The Victorian Small Training Provider of the Year Award is presented to a registered training organisation provider that demonstrates outstanding achievements in all aspects of delivering vocational education and training.
The winner will receive a trophy and be recognised as the best in Victoria’s world-class training system. The winner may represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards.
How to Apply
Visit the how to apply page on this site for information on applying for this award.
Eligibility and Conditions
Eligibility is limited to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) with less than 1500 students, whose main business is training delivery, and are registered in Victoria.
RTOs that are based in Victoria and are registered with the National Audit and Registration Agency are also eligible to apply for the awards, however only Victorian based training should be included in their application.
You must also agree to the full Conditions of Entry found on this site.
Criteria
Preparing your application
Applications are to be in 12 pt font and a maximum of twenty (20) A4 pages including attachments.
Any material in excess of twenty (20) pages will not be forwarded to the judging panel.
The award criteria should be the focus of your application, however any relevant evidence may be provided so long as it does not exceed the required page limit.
Section A: Overview
Provide an overview of the training* program(s) delivered by your organisation, including objectives, a description of the environment in which the programs are delivered and any specific challenges which have been encountered in the implementation of the training program.
*denotes nationally recognised training, ie training which is based on a National Training Package or Accredited Course and results in a formal qualification or Statement of Attainment by a Registered Training Organisation. This includes Australian Apprenticeships.
Section B: Applicants will be judged against the following criteria
- Criterion 1: Leading practice in vocational education and training
- Criterion 2: Strategic planning processes
- Criterion 3: Client and market focus
- Criterion 4: Human resource capability
- Criterion 5: Partnerships and links
Addressing the criteria
When developing your application against the award criteria, you may wish to take into account some of the considerations outlined below, if they are relevant to your organisation. These suggestions are not additional criteria, but are provided to give clarification of what may be relevant to include when writing against the award criteria.
1. Leading practice in vocational education and training
Consider:
- how you show commitment to excellence in implementation of national training arrangements
- how you demonstrate creativity, excellence and/or innovation in the design and development of processes or techniques (operational or educational), use of Information Communication Technologies, eg e-learning, and overall operational and educational effectiveness
- the systems and processes you have in place for managing, evaluating and enhancing products and services
- how you undertake continuous improvement within the organisation, e.g. through organisational learning and transformation, knowledge management, the use of new technologies, encouragement of a learning culture, support for emerging industries.
2. Strategic planning processes
Consider:
- details of the external environment in which the organisation operates and its relationship to state/territory and national policies and priorities
- systems and processes for planning and communicating purpose, vision and goals, values, core business strategies, and creating alignment across the whole organisation.
3. Client and market focus
Consider:
- your organisation’s knowledge of clients and markets and the response to these, including systems and processes for collecting and analysing data on client needs and expectations
- methods your organisation uses to create positive relationships with individuals, enterprises, industries and community groups including industry consultation, partnerships, feedback, and/or outcomes
- measures of success your organisation has in place, including client outcomes, client satisfaction surveys, employment outcomes, recognition by industry
- what your organisation does to encourage access, and the degree of success in meeting the needs of equity client groups.
4. Human resource capability
Consider:
- strategies and processes your organisation uses to build the capabilities of the organisation’s people, such as job design, personnel selection, staff training and development, performance management systems; two way feedback systems
- how you ensure constructive management/employee relations, including emphasis on teamwork, participation and communication
- how your work environment demonstrates that it recognises the well-being of staff as critical to business success.
5. Partnerships and links
Consider:
- strategies your organisation has to identify local/regional issues, such as social, economic, industrial or environmental issues and incorporate these into service delivery
- how you build effective partnerships with other organisations or groups in the local or wider community.
Nomination Form
Download the Small Training Provider of the Year Nomination Booklet (PDF 69KB)
What assistance can I get to write my application?
For tips on how to write your application contact your nominators for guidance and download the:
Checklists
Nomination Checklist
Before you submit your nomination, make sure you check the following:
- Have you used 12 point font only?
- Is your application twenty (20) A4 pages long, including attachments?
- Has an official nomination form been filled in and attached?
- Have you read and agreed to the conditions of entry?
- Have you provided 10 copies of your application and nomination form?
Criteria Checklist
Have you answered all of the following criteria?
- Criterion 1: Leading practice in vocational education and training
- Criterion 2: Strategic planning processes
- Criterion 3: Client and market focus
- Criterion 4: Human resource capability
- Criterion 5: Partnerships and links
2009 Finalists