With the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, a gala award ceremony of the National Award for Vocational Education was held. The event was also attended by US Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan, Israeli Ambassador to Georgia, Ran Gidor and other invited guests.

The winners of the National Vocational Education Award were revealed in four nominations: 2019 Vocational Education Student, 2019 Vocational Education Teacher, 2019 Vocational Education Institution, 2019 Vocational Education Business Partner. The winners were awarded with relevant prizes and certifications.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli addressed the public and congratulated the winners.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli: “I am pleased to be attending this important event today. As you know, the basis of the economic development of the country is the development of its human capital. This, in turn, can only be achieved by providing quality education. Human capital development, the country's regional development prospects and the economic growth are largely linked to progress in its vocational education.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the US Government for its support of the education system in Georgia. Special thanks to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which has played a major role in developing the quality of vocational and higher education in Georgia and improving the educational infrastructure as a whole.

I am immensely proud, that the National Vocational Education Award Ceremony has become an annual tradition in Georgia. The ceremony allows us to showcase the benefits of vocational education, celebrate achievements, evaluate challenges, and think about our future steps.

Congratulations to all the winners. Your activities, involvement and achievements are immensely appreciated. I am confident that this award will serve for your future successful endeavors.”

The competition for the National Vocational Education Award has been held since 2017 with the support of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Gudavadze-Patarkatsishvili Foundation. The aim of the competition is to popularize vocational education and make a significant contribution to the economic development of the country.

For the past 4 years, the competition has identified and rewarded successful organizations or individuals involved in vocational education, including Best Student, Best Teacher, Best Vocational Institution, and Best Business Partner. Each year, winners are awarded with special prizes.