Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award at Hutt Valley High School near Wellington today/this week. The award aims to raise the status of vocational study and recognise the achievements of students excelling in vocational education.
Secondary schools can now apply for $2000 prize money to present with an award certificate to one top student - who has demonstrated excellence in vocational studies - at end-of-year prize-givings. The Ministry of Education will consider applications from schools against criteria that has been developed with industry representatives.
Ms Ardern says this award is one of a range of new initiatives to make sure young people can transition more easily and successfully into further training or jobs, or on to further study.
"To grow our economy we constantly need talented new people entering careers in the trades, and contributing also in our technology and creative sectors.
"The purpose of this award is to encourage more young people into vocational education and training, and to celebrate the achievement of secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes of learning."
Schools and teachers are being asked to design vocational courses that offer clearer pathways for students when they move on from school. The award also aims to inspire students to plan more carefully how their subject choices lead on to careers that suit their skills and abilities.
Secondary school principals are urged to fast-track applications, so they can include this new award in end-of-year prize-giving ceremonies for 2019.
Applications will be processed during September in time for school prize-givings from mid-October to early December.
Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award website