Celebrations
11-Dec-2000

2000 VET in Schools Excellence Award - Willunga High School by Janine Bowes
A South Australian high school that runs its own winery and catering business has won Australia’s top award for bringing real life work skills to school students.
	Willunga High School, in the semi-rural winegrowing region of South Australia, was presented with the VET in Schools Excellence Award - one of the highest accolades in Australian vocational education and training - at the prestigious Australian Training Awards held in Hobart on November 16, 2000. The award, presented to Willunga High School’s Liz Schneyder, recognises innovation and excellence in the delivery of vocational education and training to school students.
Stuart Hornery, Chairman of the Australian National Training Authority which hosts the awards, said Willunga High School had impressed the judges by “reinventing school as we know it”. “Five years ago, facing falling student numbers because of a lack of interest in the courses on offer, Willunga High School knew it had to offer programs which had greater relevance to students,” Mr Hornery said. “By developing a network of contacts and relationships with local businesses and workplaces, Willunga High School has taken the lead in creating a new, highly relevant environment for secondary school students and has been the catalyst for major change in the local community.” Students are offered traineeships and part-time apprenticeships, structured work placements, sponsorship and business mentoring. Through the school’s business arm, they produce and promote quality red and white wine, olive oil and locally produced quality food. As a result, - school enrolments have increased significantly in the past 12 months and - retention rates have soared to 100 per cent. Willunga High School received a trophy, and a cheque for $5,000 to be used for staff development. The Australian Training Awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in vocational education and training, and honour the commitment of employers, training providers, industry groups, schools and students themselves. More than 800 government and industry leaders, including State and Territory Ministers responsible for vocational education and training, attended the gala event, which focuses the spotlight on the changing face and increasing flexibility of the nation’s training system. Visit the ANTA website for details of other award winners.
Related websites
ANTA National Training Awards 2000

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