TVET Excellence Awards For Students Schools
TVET Excellence Awards For Students Schools. The TVET Excellence Awards for Students and Schools is a shining testament to Jamaica’s commitment to fostering technical and vocational talent. Held in 2025 at the prestigious Douglas Orane Auditorium at Wolmer’s Boys School in Kingston, this landmark event recognized the brightest stars of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) from across the island.
Organized by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, the event was staged under the transformative theme: “Driving TVET Excellence through Transforming Education for National Development (TREND).” The theme aptly reflects the mission to position TVET not just as an alternative, but as a first-choice career pathway for students across Jamaica.
TVET Awards Ceremony: Promoting Excellence and Creativity
The 2025 National TVET Quality Awards featured the participation of 32 schools, comprising 19 secondary and 13 primary institutions. The primary aim was to encourage creativity, foster innovation, and recognize excellence among students and educators engaged in the TVET sector.
Categories of Awards
The awards were distributed across five main categories, each acknowledging outstanding achievements in different areas of technical and vocational education.
| Award Category | Winner/Recognized Institution |
|---|---|
| Best TVET Student (Secondary) | Monique Holding – St. Andrew Technical High School |
| Best TVET Project (Secondary Schools) | St. Andrew Technical High School |
| Best Kept TVET Laboratory | Cambridge High School – St. James |
| Best Resource and Technology Project (Primary) | Mount Moriah Primary School – St. Ann |
| Best NVQ-J School Performance | Muschett High School – Trelawny |
| Most Innovative TVET Group Project | Windsor School of Special Education – Portmore, St. Catherine |
| Resilient Innovator Award | Gabrielle Hanson |
This awards structure serves to inspire both students and teachers to strive for excellence in the rapidly evolving world of technical education and vocational training.
Highlight on Outstanding TVET Students
One of the most notable achievements of the ceremony was the recognition of Monique Holding, a student from St. Andrew Technical High School, as the Best TVET Student for 2025. Her recognition came with several awards, including a fully-funded scholarship to a tertiary institution, exemplifying the life-changing impact of TVET engagement.
St. Andrew Technical High further solidified its dominance by winning the Best TVET Project Award among secondary schools, highlighting their continued investment in innovation, project-based learning, and student empowerment.
Primary Schools Leading in Resourcefulness
The Best Resource and Technology Project (Primary) was awarded to Mount Moriah Primary School in St. Ann. Their innovative approach to resource management and creative use of educational technology showcases how TVET skills are being nurtured from an early age.
In addition, the Windsor School of Special Education was honoured with the Most Innovative TVET Group Project, showcasing the inclusivity of the awards and recognition of diverse learning environments.
Encouraging Leadership and Problem-Solving
Gabrielle Hanson stood out for her persistence and innovation, earning the Resilient Innovator Award. Her journey is a reflection of how TVET education not only develops technical skills but also fosters resilience, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.
According to Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, the innovation witnessed at the awards was a clear sign that TVET in Jamaica is heading in the right direction. She stated, “The calibre of innovation, creativity, and excellence being showcased today gives us hope that we are doing something right with TVET.”
WorldSkills and the Global Vision for TVET
Delivering the keynote address, Dwayne Bent, Technical Delegate for WorldSkills Jamaica, encouraged students to view TVET as a strategic and desirable career option. He emphasized the need to equip young people with the skills required for the modern world, asserting:
“We must prepare our youth for a changing world. We must elevate TVET to its rightful place as the foundation for national transformation.”
His message aligned with global trends that recognize TVET programmes as essential in creating job-ready graduates and developing future leaders in various technical fields.
Impactful Testimonials and Recognitions
Adding a personal touch to the event, Dennae Mills, the 2018 TVET Student of the Year, shared her powerful testimony about how TVET reshaped her academic and career journey. Her story served as a beacon of hope and motivation for the students in attendance.
A highlight of the evening was the lifetime achievement recognition presented to Dr. Olive Maragh, the retired Assistant Chief Education Officer, Technical and Vocational Unit at the Ministry. She was honoured with the 2025 TVET Pioneer award for her long-standing contributions to the development of vocational education in Jamaica.
Dr. Maragh eloquently reflected on the journey of TVET, saying:
“Creation and innovation are the pillars of TVET. Seeing TVET now become part of national strategy is not just rewarding; it’s a reminder that quiet work with conviction eventually finds its voice.”
Promoting TVET Through Exhibitions and Public Engagement
Beyond the awards, the event also featured a TVET exhibition, where students showcased practical projects in categories like Best TVET Project and Best Resource and Technology Project. These exhibitions allowed attendees to witness the real-world applications of vocational training and the problem-solving abilities of Jamaican youth.
This approach helps bridge the gap between education and employment, highlighting how TVET can directly contribute to national development through skilled workforce creation.
FAQs About TVET Excellence Awards
What is the purpose of the TVET Excellence Awards?
Ans: The TVET Excellence Awards aim to recognize outstanding students and schools in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The awards promote innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving among participants.
Who organizes the TVET Excellence Awards in Jamaica?
Ans: The awards are organized by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information in collaboration with partners like HEART/NSTA Trust and WorldSkills Jamaica.
How can schools participate in the National TVET Quality Awards?
Ans: Schools can participate by submitting projects in designated categories, including Best TVET Project, Best Laboratory, and Best NVQ-J Performance, among others. Interested institutions typically receive application guidelines from the Ministry in advance of the ceremony.
Conclusion
The TVET Excellence Awards for Students and Schools 2025 has proven to be more than just a celebration; it’s a reflection of Jamaica’s bold step towards making Technical and Vocational Education and Training a mainstream and strategic education path. From students winning scholarships to institutions being rewarded for innovation, the ceremony continues to pave the way for a future where TVET is synonymous with leadership, growth, and innovation.
