Winners celebrate VQ Learner of the Year Awards 2010

Thursday, 24 June 2010 10:17

Winners of this year's VQ Learner of the Year Awards were celebrating last night after receiving their prestigious prizes from entertainment icon Arlene Phillips.

The awards coincided with VQ Day, which celebrates vocational achievement with a range of activities across the UK to raise the profile of practical learning.

Ms Philips, who herself shunned a more traditional academic route to become an internationally renowned choreographer, dancer, director and television personality, helped judge the entries.

John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, also attended the celebrations at London's Horticulture Halls.

"Vocational qualifications deserve to be celebrated because of their importance to our economy and the difference they make to millions of Briton's lives," said Mr Hayes.

"They give people the skills they need to progress in employment, fueling social mobility and social justice.

"This day in the year provides a just chance to mark the importance of vocational qualifications and the achievements of those who complete them. For learners they can pave the way to advanced training, learning and employment."

This year's winners of the VQ Learner of the Year Awards are:

Learners of the Year under 24