UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Awards for Innovation in TVET 2026 — Celebrating Excellence in Skills Development

The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET are a flagship initiative by UNESCO-UNEVOC to honour outstanding and forward-thinking practices in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the world. Designed to showcase innovative solutions that enhance skills development, these awards shine a spotlight on institutions that are transforming the TVET landscape through creativity, inclusion, sustainability, and impact.

With increasing global demand for skilled workers, new technologies, and green transitions, these awards emphasise practices that prepare learners for the future of work and empower communities worldwide.

What Are the Global Awards for Innovation in TVET?

The awards recognise TVET institutions and organisations that demonstrate exceptional contribution toward improving vocational education. They highlight innovative approaches that address local, national, or global challenges in skills development.

The purpose of the awards is to:

• Amplify global visibility of effective TVET practices
• Encourage knowledge sharing among training institutions
• Inspire policy leaders and educators to adopt transformative ideas
• Promote sustainable and inclusive models of skills training

These awards play a key role in advancing the global agenda for equitable, resilient, and future-ready vocational education.

Award Categories for 2026

The 2026 edition features several categories aligned with global priorities in skills development:

1. Innovative Use of Technology

Recognises digital and technical innovations that enhance teaching, learning, or training delivery.

2. Inclusive Excellence in TVET

Celebrates initiatives that expand opportunities for women, youth, people with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

3. Green and Sustainable TVET

Honours training programmes that integrate sustainability, climate action, green jobs, and environmental awareness.

4. Resourceful Innovation

Rewards institutions that achieve remarkable impact despite limited resources, showcasing creativity and adaptability.

These categories reflect the diverse ways TVET can support economic development, social inclusion, and environmental resilience.

Who Can Apply?

The awards are open to:

• TVET institutions
• Training centres
• Skills development organisations
• Research and innovation bodies in vocational education

Applications must reflect institutional initiatives, not individual achievements.

Institutions may submit their own entries or be nominated by national TVET authorities, ministries, or partner organisations.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are judged based on:

1. Innovation & Originality

How creative and unique the approach is in addressing TVET challenges.

2. Measurable Impact

Demonstrated improvement in training quality, learner outcomes, or community benefits.

3. Sustainability & Scalability

Potential for long-term success and adaptation in other locations or contexts.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Involvement of learners, trainers, communities, and industry partners.

5. Relevance to Labour Market Needs

Alignment with real economic demands, future skills, or emerging sectors such as green jobs and digital industries.

A diverse panel of experts from UNESCO-UNEVOC and partner organisations reviews and selects the finalists.

Benefits for Award Winners

Winning institutions receive:

• Official recognition through a global award certificate and trophy
• Visibility across international TVET networks
• Opportunities to present their innovations at UNESCO-UNEVOC events
• Inclusion in a global database of leading TVET practices
• Enhanced credibility, helping attract partners and funding
• Potential for collaboration with other global institutions

For many winners, this recognition becomes a springboard for scaling their impact nationally and internationally.

Timeline for 2026

• Nominations Open: 10 November 2025
• Nominations Close: 30 January 2026

TVET institutions are encouraged to prepare comprehensive submissions that highlight their most innovative and impactful initiatives.

Why These Awards Matter

The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET help strengthen the role of vocational education by:

• Encouraging excellence in skill-based training
• Supporting the development of green and digital economies
• Highlighting inclusive models that empower disadvantaged learners
• Showcasing practical solutions that can be replicated worldwide
• Motivating institutions to continuously innovate and modernize their training systems

By recognising outstanding achievements, UNESCO-UNEVOC encourages institutions everywhere to strive for better quality, accessibility, and innovation in vocational education.

The UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Awards for Innovation in TVET 2026 are more than just awards — they are a movement toward a future where skills development is inclusive, future-oriented, and globally connected. Whether your institution is leading technological transformation, supporting green transitions, or empowering vulnerable groups through vocational training, this is a powerful opportunity to gain international recognition.