An innovative technology programme being developed by the Catlins Area School has been held up as an exemplar by Education Minister Anne Tolley, addressing an educational conference in Canada.
The Owaka-based school has had its virtual school project shortlisted by the Ministry of Education to become one of five national trade academies.
No decision had been made on its bid, but the Catlins project received a glowing endorsement by Ms Tolley at the Canada-Alberta international vocational education and training conference at Calgary on Monday.
Ms Tolley spoke about the Government's plans to introduce trade academies, citing the Catlins proposal as an example of New Zealand's best thinking and technology delivering the training young people needed.
The Catlins project focused on aviation-related courses, but was being developed to include a wide range of subjects.
Last year, the Owaka school became the first national provider of aviation studies through e-learning.
Ms Tolley said the project provided an "innovative learning community".
The Catlins project is one of 11 trade academies vying to become one of five set up within the next 18 months.
It has the backing of all five Clutha secondary schools, Telford Rural Polytechnic and others in the educational sector.
