The Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, Giorgi Amilakhvari, participated in the award ceremony for the 2023 winners of the National Vocational Education Award. 

In his address, Minister Amilakhvari emphasized the competition's role in elevating professional education. He expressed gratitude to the event organizers for their collaboration and personally extended congratulations to the winners. 

"For our government, the enhancement, promotion, and support of professional education is a top priority. The National Award for Vocational Education, which we annually bestow, aims precisely at recognizing the best student, teacher, program, and business partner in this field. 

This competition is a testament to the accessibility of quality education and employment opportunities for all. It is evidenced by the awarding of the best student title to a 63-year-old individual, demonstrating that professional education knows no age limits. 

I wholeheartedly support such initiatives. The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth will continue to back similar events and will persist in fostering the growth of professional education." – stated Minister Amilakhvari. 

The 2023 competition's winners were announced in four categories: 

- Zebur Bolkvadze, a beekeeping student from "Blex" College, was named the professional education student of the year.

- Vlada Khimenko, an information technology teacher at "Blex" College, received the professional education teacher of the year award.

- "Mermis" College, with its sewing production program, was recognized as the professional education program of the year.

- The Vocational Education Business Partner of the Year award was awarded to "BK Construction" company. 

The event also featured special prizes awarded by the Parliament of Georgia, the Vocational Skills Agency, and the Embassy of Israel in Georgia, with dignitaries such as US Ambassador Robin L. Dunnigan, Israeli Ambassador - Hadas Ester Meitzad, Parliament's First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee - Mariam Lashkhi, Education, Science and Youth Affairs Committee member - Tamar Kitiashvili, and the head of the Professional Skills Agency in attendance. 

Representatives from executive and legislative authorities, the Millennium Foundation, Gudavadze-Patarkatsishvili Foundation, international donor organizations, the professional education sector, and business were also present. 

Organized by the Millennium Fund and supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, the annual National Award of Vocational Education competition has been held since 2017. Its goal is to develop and popularize professional education, crucial for bolstering the country's economy. The competition's general sponsor is the Gudavadze-Patarkatsishvili Foundation.