Electrotechnology School Student Awards
2011 NECA Electrotechnology School Student Awards
The NECA Electrotechnology School Student Awards are designed to reward the commitment and passion of talented young individuals that are producing outstanding products and inventions that can potentially change the future of the industry and many people’s lives.
Samuel Fielding, a Year 12 student from St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle Campus in Waratah, won the national award for innovation in the electrical industry for designing a solar powered house numbering system that incorporated an emergency warning system.
Mr Fielding received the Electrotechnology School Student Award in the Innovation Category at the Apprentice of the Year awards hosted by NECA in Melbourne on 23 November 2011.
National judge of the NECA Electrotechnology School Student Awards, Mr Wes McKnight, said the solar powered house numbering system was an incredibly relevant product built to a very high standard.
“The judges thought Samuel’s design solved what is a common problem with readily available solar energy,” Mr McKnight said.
“The real innovation to the system was incorporating an emergency warning system that would enable a distressed person inside a home to literally push a button that changed the illuminated house numbers from white light to flashing red so emergency services or neighbours could easily identify a property.”
Mr Daniel Swida from the Catholic Regional College in Sydenham, Victoria, was named as the Runner-Up in the Award for his remote controlled rocket launcher.
Michael Townsend, a Year 12 student from Dubbo College, received the Electrotechnology School Student Award in the Commitment to Industry Category.
The judges were impressed with Mr Townsend’s ability to create opportunities to work in the industry whilst still contributing to the community.
“The judges thought Michael’s commitment to the industry was demonstrated by the fact he instigated his own school-based traineeship when that wasn’t the usual option for students at the school,” Mr McKnight said.
“It is terrific to see young people with the determination to follow their dreams and it is very pleasing to hear that Michael is already working with a local electrical company.”
Mr Kenrick Everett from the Charlton Christian College in Toronto was named as the Runner-Up in the Award.
NECA acknowledges the ongoing support of our partner NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd for these important awards. NHP is proud to encourage talented students who are developing their skills in this specialised field.
About the Electrotechnology School Student Awards
The Electrotechnology School Student Awards encourage talented young secondary school students to choose a career in the electrotechnology industry and recognises their efforts to develop their skills and knowledge.
These awards are open to students enrolled in years 9, 10, 11 and 12 at a secondary school in Australia. Principals, teachers and industry representatives are invited to nominate students.
NECA is keen to encourage talented young students to choose a career in electrotechnology and to recognise the vast range of opportunities available in this challenging and rapidly changing industry sector. These awards provide an opportunity to reward those students who have shone in their studies or in their extra-curricular activities and who have demonstrated a passion for learning about the industry.
The Awards recognise two areas of excellence; Commitment to Industry and Innovation.
Principals, teachers and industry members may nominate students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of electrical, electronics or communications technology. Excellence may be demonstrated through work in areas such as:
- School projects
- VET in Schools or School-based Apprenticeships
- Extra-curricular projects
- Community or individual projects
Recent projects have included work done in areas such:
- Electronics
- Robotics
- Mechantronics
- Electrical engineering
- Sound and lighting
- Digital technology
Announcement of winners and prizes
Winners are announced in November each year. The winner of each category receives a cash prize of $1000, second place winner receives $500 and third place winner $250. The first place winner also receives a travel allowance for themselves and a guardian.
Sponsor
NECA acknowledges the ongoing support of NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd for this important award. NHP is proud to encourage the talented students who are developing their skills in this specialised area.
Criteria
These awards are intended to recognise and reward secondary school students who have excelled in the area of electrotechnology, either through school work or through external activities/projects. There are two categories of award, Commitment to Industry and Innovation. The criteria for judging entries is below.
Commitment to Industry:
The Commitment to Industry category is targeted towards those students following a school-based apprenticeship or similar vocational path who have demonstrated a keen commitment to pursuing an electrical career.
• Demonstrates a clear commitment to pursuing an electrical career
• Shows evidence of innovative and imaginative ways of researching the industry and opportunities provided
• Indicates a comprehensive knowledge of the electrical industry and knowledge and technical skills required.
Innovation:
The Innovation category includes students who have demonstrated excellence in electrical related categories, and have developed innovative solutions to challenges. Students considering entering this competition should look at projects currently being undertaken, or recently completed, that utilise electronics, mechantronics, communication or electrical technology, robotics, digital technology or similar.
• Reflects an understanding of and an interest in electrotechnology
• Highlights a practical aptitude for electrotechnology
• Shows evidence of a range of technical skills
• Demonstrates initiative in its approach to problem solving
• Indicates a commitment to excellence
The work may have been completed as part of:
• School project
• VET in schools or school based apprenticeship
• Extra-curricular activity
• Work experience
• Community projects
• Personal interest
Submission of Entries:
Projects must be received before the closing date to be considered. Projects may be presented in any relevant format including:
• Written report
• Visual/Video report
• Model
Applications must include information that helps describe the project or commitment to industry – photos, website, multimedia presentation, journals, posters etc. Please note that to assist the judging process, visual evidence of the project would be appreciated. Successful entrants will be required to submit high resolution photographs to be used for promotional purposes and media.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the awards students must currently be enrolled in an Australian secondary school, in year 9, 10, 11 or 12.
Closing Date:
Nominations for the 2012 Awards are not open yet. Come back to the NECA site in mid 2012 for more information.
Judging:
The judging panel with consist of industry experts and representatives from both NECA and NHP. The judges will examine the submissions, and if necessary conduct telephone interviews with the entrants to clarify any areas necessary.
Further information
For further information please contact Vicky Rigler at NECA National on 02 9439 8523 or email Vicky Rigler
