Global Awards for Innovation in TVET: Nominations Open Until 30 January 2026

The global Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) community has a significant opportunity to showcase outstanding achievements and forward-thinking practices through the Global Awards for Innovation in TVET. Organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ), this prestigious award programme celebrates transformative initiatives that are reshaping how TVET empowers learners, industries and societies. With nominations open until 30 January 2026, institutions and organizations worldwide are encouraged to highlight their innovative contributions to the future of skills development, lifelong learning and workforce transformation.

The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET are part of the broader initiative “Towards a Global TVET Agenda,” which places innovation, inclusion, sustainability and equity at the centre of education reform. As global labour markets undergo rapid digital, environmental and socio-economic changes, the need for adaptable and visionary TVET solutions has never been greater. These awards recognize institutions and initiatives that are not only responding to these challenges but are also setting new standards in quality, accessibility and relevance of technical and vocational education.

Purpose of the Global Awards for Innovation in TVET

The Awards aim to elevate the visibility and strategic value of TVET within national and international education systems. They focus on six primary objectives:

1. Enhancing quality and innovation by recognizing exemplary TVET institutions and forward-looking practices. 
2. Increasing global awareness of TVET’s role in empowering individuals, improving employability and driving socio-economic development. 
3. Strengthening partnerships across the global TVET community through collaborative engagement and shared missions. 
4. Promoting knowledge sharing by spotlighting promising practices and facilitating cross-regional learning. 
5. Improving equity and inclusion by recognizing initiatives that expand opportunities for marginalized groups and underrepresented populations. 
6. Supporting lifelong learning by emphasizing programmes that advance adult education, reskilling and continuous professional development. 

Through these objectives, the Awards provide an invaluable platform for institutions to demonstrate impact, inspire peers and contribute to a more resilient and future-ready global TVET ecosystem.

Award Categories for 2026

Each year, three to five categories are selected to highlight priority areas in TVET transformation. The 2026 award categories reflect the growing global focus on technology, equity, sustainability and resource-efficient innovation.

Innovative Use of Technology

This category recognizes pioneering digital, pedagogical or systemic solutions that prepare learners for rapidly evolving labour markets. Initiatives may include digital training tools, advanced skills development programmes, artificial intelligence applications or innovations that strengthen digital literacy.

Inclusive Excellence in TVET

This category celebrates initiatives that expand opportunities for marginalized communities, promote gender equity and enhance social and economic inclusion. Programmes supporting disadvantaged groups, refugees, persons with disabilities or underserved regions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Green and Sustainable TVET

As sustainability and climate action increasingly shape industry priorities, this category honours programmes that integrate environmental responsibility, green skills development and sustainable practices into curricula and institutional strategies.

Resourceful Innovation

This category highlights impactful TVET solutions that achieve meaningful outcomes despite financial, infrastructural or contextual constraints. It recognizes creative, efficient and adaptable approaches that benefit learners and communities even in challenging circumstances.

Eligibility, Nomination Process and Deadlines

The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET are open to TVET institutions and initiatives across all regions. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by ministries or national TVET bodies. The nomination period runs from 10 November 2025 to 30 January 2026.

Nominations must be submitted through the official online platform. An overview of the form fields is available to support offline preparation, but final submissions must be made online. Submissions may be completed in English, French or Spanish.
Nomination link: HERE

Evaluation and Selection Criteria

The evaluation framework is designed to ensure fairness, contextual sensitivity and recognition of excellence in diverse resource settings. Key criteria include:

• Innovation and originality, focusing on creative and unique approaches. 
• Impact and results, measured through qualitative and quantitative improvements aligned with local and regional needs. 
• Sustainability, scalability and replicability, assessing long-term potential and adaptability across contexts. 
• Multistakeholder engagement, emphasizing participation from community groups, learners, industry and other key stakeholders. 
• Resourcefulness, recognizing achievements made under limiting conditions. 
• Relevance and responsiveness, evaluating alignment with skills gaps, labour market demands and learner needs. 

The selection panel includes representatives from UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO, partner agencies and youth representatives, ensuring a balanced and globally informed decision-making process.

Awards, Recognition and Opportunities

Winners will be honoured during a globally broadcast awards ceremony and invited to a pre-event workshop designed to strengthen networking and knowledge exchange. Award recipients will receive a trophy, certificate, opportunities to present their initiatives at UNESCO-UNEVOC events and inclusion in the organization’s database of innovative and promising practices. Additional support for scaling up and replicating initiatives may be provided depending on available resources.

Conclusion

The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET serve as a powerful catalyst for advancing high-quality, inclusive and sustainable skills development worldwide. Institutions that are driving meaningful change in TVET systems are encouraged to submit their nominations before the deadline of 30 January 2026.

For more information, visit the FAQs or contact: unevoc.awards@unesco.org