New Zealand's 450 or so secondary schools and wharekura can each apply for $2,000 prize money to award to the top vocational student at Prize-givings later this year

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Award at Hutt Valley High School near Wellington earlier this month. The award aims to raise the status of vocational study and recognise the achievements of students excelling in vocational education.Ms Ardern says:"We want to acknowledge the endeavours of students who pursue vocational pathways. Our country needs the skills and knowledge these young people are working so hard to gain."

"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."

Each secondary school or wharekura can nominate one student in Year 12 or 13 who they believe has demonstrated vocational excellence. The Ministry of Education will consider applications against criteria developed with industry representatives. Each successful student will be awarded with a $2,000 cash prize and a Certificate of Vocational Excellence.

Ms Ardern says, "To grow our economy we constantly need talented new people entering the trades, and contributing also in our technology and creative sectors. "This is one of a range of new initiatives to make sure school leavers can transition more easily and successfully into further training or jobs, or on to further study.

"We're encouraging schools and teachers to design vocational courses that offer clearer pathways for students when they move on from school.

"We also want to inspire students to plan more carefully how their subject choices can lead on to careers that suit their skills and abilities."

Secondary schools throughout the country are receiving information packs and posters. Principals are being asked to fast-track applications to the ministry so that this new award can be included in end-of-year Prize-giving ceremonies for 2019.

Applications will be processed during September and October in time for each school's Prize-giving.