Two local residents, Sara Pullen and Hayley Marie, are attending the pre-launch of VQ Day, an event designed to recognise individuals who achieve vocational qualifications, held at the House of Commons today.
In the UK, vocational qualifications ranging from accountancy to mechanical engineering, give people high quality education and skills which lead them to further study and better jobs. This year, for the first time, all the learners, teachers, providers and employers who contribute to vocational success will be recognised publicly.
“VQ Day – Celebrating vocational success” will take place on 23 July 2008.
Sara and Hayley are among a number of vocational learners invited to attend the launch. Sara is speaking about her experience with vocational qualifications alongside other speakers including MPs Gordon Marsden and Bill Rammell.
Sara was the ‘Young Woman Engineer of the Year’ in 2005. Sara used the BTEC qualifications she completed to step onto her final year at university. In 2006 she was appointed to senior crew systems engineering at BAE Systems. Sara is now assistant chief airworthiness process engineer and is currently pursuing Chartered Engineer status.
Sara said: “I saw graduates coming into the industry after university and they just didn’t have the practical skills I’d gained whilst undertaking a BTEC, a vocational qualification.”
Hayley Marie, also attending the launch, completed a BTEC in Performing Arts at South Cheshire College and is now studying music theatre at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston. She was accepted into the university based on her BTEC results. Hayley has performed in West End productions, toured with the stage show Annie, and has featured in some ‘Smarties’ advertisements.
Hayley said: “Doing a BTEC was a great experience, and part of who I am today. If you’re passionate about performing, a BTEC in performing art is a great course to take”.
VQ Day itself will be a national celebration event, held in London, to showcase the diversity of vocational success, with regional events held around the country. VQ Day will raise the profile and communicate the value of vocational qualifications to future students, potential employers and the wider public.
Anyone who has completed a vocational qualification is invited to add their name to a growing list of people across the UK who have gained vocational qualifications. The list can be found at the VQ Day website www.vqday.org
VQ Day is being led by Edge, the education foundation, in conjunction with Edexcel and the wider vocational community.
For media enquiries, please contact: Abi Rogansky, Media Affairs Manager, on 020 7190 5191 or abi.rogansky@edexcel.org.uk or Julie Pitcher on 020 7190 5193.
