15 March 2012
Waveney MP Peter Aldous is lending his support to the fifth annual VQ Day – a celebration of the millions of people gaining vocational qualifications across the country every year – and encouraging local colleges, schools, businesses and learning providers to get involved.

VQ Day 2012 will be held on Wednesday 20th June to recognise the value of vocational qualifications and celebrate vocational achievement. The day will be marked by events held at colleges, schools, businesses and learning providers across the UK, including award ceremonies and open days. National events will also be held in London, Northern Ireland and Wales.

With a tough economic climate, it has never been more important to provide young people with access to high quality technical, practical and vocational courses which offer genuine job prospects. Vocational qualifications are valuable not only to individuals but to the economy, providing work ready skills, experience and the opportunity for career progression, higher pay and further education.

Peter said:

“Vocational qualifications provide huge benefits to the UK from improving the skills and careers of individuals to helping boost our economy. Running for the fifth year, VQ Day 2012 will highlight their increasing importance while celebrating the millions of people achieving vocational qualifications every year. I encourage colleges, schools, learners and employers throughout Waveney to join the celebrations on Wednesday 20th June.”

Plans for VQ Day are being led by independent education foundation Edge, and are supported by the wider vocational education community including examination boards, employers' organisations, the Association of Colleges and the Association of Learning Providers.

Jan Hodges, CEO of Edge, commented:

“Our economy relies heavily on people who carry real practical industry knowledge and skills. Vocational qualifications play a significant and indispensible role in our society and are crucial in building so many UK businesses. Vocational courses offer progression to further and higher education, and a chance for real success for millions of people.”

Colleges, schools, learning providers and employers are urged to get involved by holding their own celebrations. For more information on VQ Day, and to download an action pack, please visit www.vqday.org.uk.