What are the Vocational Pathways?

Six pathways aligning with six industry sectors

Vocational Pathways help students, parents, whānau, teachers and employers see how NCEA learning is valued in the real world by aligning standards that lead to NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 with six industries.

The Vocational Pathways were developed in collaboration with industry and education to help students between 16-19 years of age become more work ready, as well as gain knowledge and skills valued by industry.


Benefits of the Vocational Pathways for employers

Young people ready to contribute to your business

Building a productive and competitive economy is a Government priority and achievement in education is essential to this goal. 

A Vocational Pathways Award means that a student has achieved NCEA Level 2 in a coherent programme that aligns the knowledge and skills they have gained with those that employers are looking for.

Skilled and competent young people, better prepared for work and further study

Vocational Pathways can help you to easily identify a candidate’s skills, qualifications and interests as aligned with your industry.

Success in one or more Vocational Pathways at NCEA Level 2 will see students awarded a ‘Vocational Pathways Award’, which is recorded on their NZQA Record of Achievement.

Vocational Pathways Profile

A Vocational Profile on a student’s Record of Achievement shows how their learning relates to the six Vocational Pathways. Each industry has been colour-coded so you can see at a glance what a student has achieved and how this relates to your business.

Monitor with colours bar graph