What is Vocational Pathways?

creative industries pathway

Find out about Vocational Pathways and how it can help you plan your future career.

What is Vocational Pathways?

Vocational Pathways is a tool that helps you to see how your strengths, interests and achievements relate to future study options and job opportunities.

The pathways provide clear study options that are valued by employers and show you what employers expect you to achieve in your learning.

The pathways cover six industry sectors:

How can Vocational Pathways help me?

Vocational Pathways provides more options for learners to complete NCEA Level 2. By having more ways and places to achieve NCEA Level 2 you’ll have more pathways into further learning and work.

When you complete a Vocational Pathway you’ll receive a Vocational Pathways Award as well as receiving NCEA Level 2.

Achieving a Vocational Pathways Award shows employers you have the knowledge and skills they’re looking for.

What if I'm interested in more than one pathway?

All of the Vocational Pathways identify skills that are valued by employers across all sectors. Because English and maths skills are especially important across all pathways, literacy and numeracy credits can apply to any pathway. As long as you achieve the required literacy and numeracy credits, you may be able to change pathways or complete more than one while you’re studying.

What NCEA credits do I need for a Vocational Pathway Award?

To earn a Vocational Pathway Award you need to achieve:

Updated 27 Jun 2023