Page 17 - Pathways Book 2020

Vocational Pathways

The six Vocational Pathways improve the relevance of learning for students by indicating
how their learning and achievement is valued by broad sectors of the workforce. Each
has been colour coded for ease of recognition to help students and teachers plan study
programmes.

The Vocational Pathways provide new ways to achieve NCEA Level 2, which is the
foundation for success in further education and work. The pathways enable students to
see how their learning and achievement will be valued in the workplace and the types of
study options and jobs opportunities available.
Achieving a Vocational Pathway means a learner has developed the skills and knowledge
in areas that employers value. This will enable learners to progress to further education
and training, building on what they have already achieved. Employers will be able to see
a learner’s strengths, their abilities, interests and achievements using the Vocational
Pathways.

The introduction of the Vocational Profile and Vocational Pathways Award provides
formal recognition of a learner’s achievement using the Vocational Pathways. Each
learner will be able to show how their achievement relates to the learning or skills
training employers are seeking.

Government, industry and educational representatives selected a range of Level 1 and 2
Achievement and Unit Standards that they believed provide a curriculum foundation in
each Vocational Pathway. These are known as Recommended Standards.

At Level 2, an additional category has been given to some of the Recommended
Standards, known as Sector-Related Standards. These are standards that are closely
related to the Vocational Pathway and require development of skills from, or direct
experience in, an industry setting. The make-up of the pathways is important when
young people are planning to achieve a Vocational Pathways Award.