Nominations open for NECA's school student awards

NECA’s School Student National Awards create awareness among students, their parents and their careers advisors of the opportunities in the electrical sector.

“These awards are designed to reward two distinct streams of students - those who are aiming for a career in engineering and those who are already passionately pursuing a career in the electrical industry,” says Suresh Manickam, NECA CEO.

Students currently enrolled in years 9, 10, 11 and 12 are eligible for these awards. Nominations for this year’s awards close on Friday, 26 September 2014.

NECA will be working with government and school bodies to promote this initiative to an even broader range of schools this year.

The two award categories include:

• Innovation. For students who have demonstrated excellence in electrical, electronic or communications technology, inside or outside of school, and who have developed innovative projects and/or solutions.
• Commitment to Industry. For students currently undertaking school-based apprenticeships or those who are committed to pursuing an electrical career and have demonstrated this through their work experience.

Previous winners have presented projects in areas such as robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, as well as sound and lighting.

Prizes include: 1st place in each category will receive a prize of $1000; 2nd place students will receive $500; and 3rd place $250.

The awards are sponsored by NHP Electrical Engineering Products. “As the major sponsor, NHP takes great pleasure in their involvement in the School Student National Awards and will continue to work with NECA in their quest to ensure the future lifeblood of our industry are offered the pathways to ensure a successful future,” said Lloyd Thomas, NHP’s CEO, managing director.