2008 Rural Trade & Skills Teacher of the Year Awards

THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for nominations to recognise outstanding achievement under the ‘Trade and Skills Teacher of the Year Awards’ run in conjunction with the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence (the Institute). Three Awards – each worth $5,000 – aim to raise the profile of rural trade skill teaching and its importance to rural communities, while also providing fitting recognition and reward for our exceptional trade teachers. The three rural categories are: * National Agriculture Teacher Award. * National Horticulture Teacher Award. * National Conservation and Land Management Teacher Award. “Australian farming is facing unprecedented demand for skilled labour – around 70,000 skilled employees will be needed as we come out of drought,” NFF President David Crombie said. “The sustainability of regional communities and businesses, including farms, are heavily reliant on the ability to provide interesting and rewarding employment opportunities. “Trade and skills teachers are at the forefront of those opportunities. We want to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in an area that is, essentially, the breeding ground for skilled tradespeople servicing the farm sector. “Naturally, the ability to attract, train and retain workers in rural trades serves the long-term prospects of farmers, but also regional communities and other businesses that rely on them. “We hope that these Awards, now in their second year, will help increase the profile of Australian trade and skills teachers, and promote the vital role they play in growing our dynamic rural communities.” The Institute was established to help raise the profile of trades in eight industries where a critical labour shortage has been identified. Under the 2008 Rural Trade and Skills Teacher of the Year Awards, the NFF and the Institute are offering three Awards – each carrying a $5,000 prize. One of the three farming Award winners will be selected to compete against the remaining seven sectors and be in the running to be named the ‘2008 Australian Teacher of the Year’, which comes with an additional $5,000 prize. “Judges will be looking for evidence that Nominees have performed at a level that is above and beyond the call of duty in the areas of excellence and innovation in serving industry and inspiring learners,” Mr Crombie added. Anyone currently engaged in the teaching of skills or a trade within agriculture, horticulture or conservation and land management at an Australian Registered Training Organisation is eligible. The Application Form and Guidelines are available online from the http://www.itse.com.au[Institute website]. Applications close 5 September 2008. [ENDS]