Frequently Asked Questions

What is vocational education?

Vocational education is education and training that has a special emphasis on the skills, knowledge and attributes required to perform a specific role or to work in a specific industry. This is not limited to the traditional trades or professions but can relate to any sector of the economy.

Who can be nominated for the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award?

Top Year 12 or 13 students enrolled in vocational programmes can be nominated to receive the Award.

Every state or state-integrated secondary school and wharekura can nominate only one student enrolled in a vocational programme to receive the Award.

When and why was the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award established?

Students all over New Zealand excel in building their vocational knowledge and skills and the Prime Minister wants to recognise them for their success.

Launched in 2019, the purpose of the Award is to celebrate the achievements of secondary students enrolled in vocational programmes, and to raise the status of vocational education so that more people see vocational education and training as an attractive option when they leave school.

Who can nominate a student?

Teachers of vocational programmes can nominate a student from their school or kura whom they believe is most deserving of the Award, using nomination criteria developed by the Ministry of Education. All nominations require the endorsement of the Principal.

Students should talk to their teachers about how they can be considered for the Award.

What are the nomination criteria to help our school or kura in assessing potential nominees for the Award?

The nomination criteria are included in this Information Pack, and reflect the skills and capabilities that enable students to thrive in higher vocational education, training and employment. These were developed by the Ministry, in consultation with industry and employers.

What’s the timeline for this year?

Nominations open on 25 July 2022 and close on 30 September 2022.

We aim to send confirmations of Award winners by mid October. Letters of congratulations will be mailed to schools and kura. Students will receive Award certificates and the prize money will be paid before end November.

How will our school know if our nominated student has been accepted?

Once your school’s nomination has been processed, you will be sent confirmation of the Award winner.

A letter of congratulations will be sent to your school or kura. Students will receive Award certificates and the prize money will be paid before end November.

Can a student who won the Award in 2021 win it again this year?

Yes. It is up to schools or kura to nominate a student whom they believe is most deserving of the Award.

I have a question related to the special circumstances of our school. Who do we contact?

For queries, you can email us at vocational.excellence@education.govt.nz.

What do winning students receive?

The Award rewards the top Year 12 or 13 student enrolled in vocational programmes of learning with a cash prize of $2000 and an official certificate. The cash prize can be used at the student’s discretion.

The Award is intended to be presented at your school’s end-of-year prize-giving ceremony alongside other premier Awards such as the Dux and Proxime Accessit awards. If your school does not have an end-of-year prize-giving ceremony, your school can choose how best to celebrate your Award recipient’s success.

How will the prize money be transferred to the winning student?

The prize money will be paid to the school by the Ministry of Education. It is each school’s responsibility to ensure that the prize is transferred to the winning student.

Return to main page