Sydney's Catholic school students have been ranked among the best vocational students in the country.

A total of 15 students from Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney were among the 442 recipients to receive $2000 as part of the 2007 Australian Vocational Student Prize in the fields of information technology, hospitality, business, tourism, automotive, retail and children's services last Monday.

The Year 12 students, who have all studied Vocational Education and Training (VET) in a school program or schools-based apprenticeships, were recognised for demonstrating exceptional skill and achievement in their training and education.

The winners, nominated by their school Principal, were announced on 3 September by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Julie Bishop, and the Minister for Vocational and Further Education, Andrew Robb, who highlighted the importance of vocational education.

"The Australian Government is determined to promote and recognise vocational education and training pathways as vital to the development and continued growth of our nation's skills base," Mr Robb said.

"We are committed to working with schools and business to give our young people practical hands-on learning that helps them develop the vital skills they need for today's world of work."

Christine Shakya, Vocational Learning Manager for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, added that students undertaking VET courses for their HSC are able to access a broad range of opportunities to achieve their potential and to gain nationally-recognised qualifications while still at school.

"Through VET courses, students can gain experience in the workplace and develop employability skills and industry-specific skills that will assist them with planning and pursuing their career pathways," she said.

"Congratulations to all students on their outstanding achievement and to their teachers and schools who have supported them in their learning."

The recipients of the 2007 Australian Vocational Student Prize were:

Natalina Panto, Bethany College, Hurstville
Keah Butcher, Brigidine College, Randwick
Fiona Maree Hughes, De La Salle College, Cronulla
Georgina Evans, Domremy College, Five Dock
Rachael Saab, Holy Spirit College, Lakemba
Elias El-Haddad, La Salle Catholic College, Bankstown
Gabrielle Sew Hee, Loreto Kirribilli
Rodney Ahenkan, Marist College, Pagewood
Katrina Nally, Marist Sisters College, Woolwich
Rebecca Roche, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington
Sarah Furlong, Santa Sabina College, Strathfield
Hamish Armstrong, St Ignatius' College, Lane Cove
Daniel Harb, St Maroun's College, Dulwich Hill
Annabelle McGee, St Vincent's College, Potts Point
Sean Kelly-Pain, Waverley College.