The Award Program was first introduced in the UK in 1956 as 'The Duke of Edinburgh's Award' as a means to encourage and motivate young people over the age of 14 years. The award was introduced to Australia in 1963. The Award encourages its members to achieve goals in a voluntary, non-competitive, and flexible program.

The award has three stages:

Bronze Award

In order to complete the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award participants must be at least 14 years old and complete the following:

• 15 hours of community service
• 6 months of learning a skill
• 20 hours of physical recreation
• 1 Preliminary expedition
• 1 Qualifying expedition

Silver Award

In order to complete the Duke of Edinburgh silver award participants must be at least 15 years old complete:

• the requirements of the bronze award

and the following:

• 30 hours of community service
• 12 months of learning a skill
• 30 hours of physical recreation
• 1 Preliminary expedition
• 1 Qualifying expedition

Gold Award

In order to complete the Duke of Edinburgh silver award participants must be at least 16 years old and have completed:

• the requirements of the bronze award and the silver award

and the following:

• 60 hours hours of community service
• 18 months of learning a skill
• 40 hours of physical recreation
• 1 Preliminary expedition
• 1 Qualifying expedition
• 4 nights and 5 days completing a residential project

More details can be found at the Duke of Edinburgh website.