National celebration of vocational qualifications launched.

Over 17 million people in the UK now hold a vocational qualification according to new research released ahead of the formal launch of the nation’s inaugural VQ Day.  The findings show that 38 per cent of the population have such a qualification, which include Apprenticeships, BTECs, City & Guilds, HNDs, OCR Nationals and NVQs, compared to 26 per cent with a degree and 32 per cent with an A-Level / Higher.

Yorkshire & the Humber is revealed as the stronghold of vocational learning (46 per cent) compared to 31 per cent of Londoners.  The numbers of Welsh (40 per cent), Northern Irish (39 per cent) and Scottish over 18s (37 per cent) with a vocational qualification were in line with the national average.

Despite the proliferation of vocational qualifications, prejudice against them is still rife, with less than half (44 per cent) of the population agreeing that vocational qualifications are as important as A-Levels.  To combat this and celebrate the achievements of learners, educational foundation Edge is today unveiling plans for the first VQ Day, to celebrate the nation’s vocational successes.

The Day will be launched today (23rd April) at a Parliamentary reception attended by colleges, learners, MPs and employers, and will be addressed by Minister for Further Education, Bill Rammell, ahead of the inaugural, nationwide Day on 23rd July 2008.  VQ Day is supported by the wider education community including exam boards, employers’ organisations, the Association of Colleges and the Association of Learning Providers. 

Andy Powell, CEO of Edge hopes that the day will raise public awareness about the value of vocational qualifications:
“Every year millions of people across the country study for and gain a vocational qualification, leading to further vocational study or university, better jobs and enhanced skills. However, despite these clear benefits, vocational qualifications sadly do not enjoy the prestige of their more academic counterparts.  The launch of VQ Day is just one step in starting to put this right.”

VQ Day itself will be marked by a national event in London, as well as regional events around the country.  An action pack is available for colleges and learning providers to download in order for them to hold their own VQ Day celebrations.  The Day will also see the publication of a report into the vocational qualifications landscape, which aims to be the first vocational 'census'.

A roll call of vocational success has been established at www.vqday.org for past and present vocational learners to log on and add their name to the list. Visitors to the website can also vote for their Celebrity VQ Hero 2008. The shortlist of five celebrities, all of whom have made their name after gaining a vocational qualification will be announced shortly.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added:
“Celebrating the success of the millions of people who achieve vocational qualifications every year is long overdue.  VQs properly prepare people not only for the work they are doing now but also help employees make a contribution to the development of their company.”

For more information visit www.vqday.org.