The Beazley Medal is the state’s highest secondary education honour, and recognises the two top students in Western Australia who achieve either academic or vocational excellence.

The WA College of Agriculture was also recognised as Australia’s Top Vocational Education and Training institution at the Australian Training Awards in Canberra last November.

Andrew, from York in Western Australia’s wheatbelt, received the award last week from Education Minister Honourable Dr Elizabeth Constable.

He also received two course exhibition awards for animal and plant production, two distinctions for animal and plant production and a certificate of excellence for achieving 10 A grades over two years.

During his two years at the college, Andrew achieved a number of trade certificates, including a Certificate II in Agriculture, (specialising in grain production, sheep and wool, beef production and pig production), Certificate II in Automotives, Certificate II in Engineering and Certificate III Wool Clip Preparation.

College Principal Bernard Beatty congratulated Andrew on receiving Western Australia’s most prestigious vocational award.

“Andrew was an outstanding student during his time at the college, and his passion for the agriculture industry was and continues to be unshakable,” Mr Beatty said.

“He is a fantastic ambassador for the college, and will be an asset to any future employer.”

“To receive the Beazley Award, as the top vocational student across the whole state, is an exceptional lifetime achievement, and also a testament to the calibre of the college’s educational program,” he said.

Andrew will spend the next few years working as a farm hand and spray operator on large scale commercial farms, with the goal of establishing his own spray contracting business in the future.