One million more take vocational route

One million more vocational qualifications were achieved in 2012 compared with a year earlier, figures out today reveal.

More than six million people were awarded a vocational qualification last year.

To mark the milestone, and today officially being the sixth VQ Day, Skills Minister Matthew Hancock sent a ‘digital thank you’ video to thousands of successful learners – in a first for Westminster and the government.

“We wanted to reflect the innovative nature of vocational qualifications and believe digital engagement is the best route to thank the many thousands of people who take vocational qualifications each year,” said Hancock.

“Vocational learning has been proven to help individuals gain better practical skills to further their careers, or even start new ones. It is great that we are able to shine a light on this success on VQ Day today.”

The event also saw environmental company Veolia being crowned VQ Employer of the Year. Aaron Freeman, 24, was named England‘s VQ Day Learner of Year after using his public service diploma in a recent run for Gloucester County Council.

Jan Hodges, chief executive of independent education foundation Edge, said: “We recognise there are many paths to success and it is important that vocational qualifications can achieve equal weighting with other educational routes, which is why a celebration such as VQ Day is so important. It’s great to see so much growth in the number of people taking vocational qualifications in the workplace – a trend we want to see continue.

“It’s also important that the contribution to vocational learning being made by so many employers is recognised and celebrated – as they are truly helping their workforce  get the edge in career development.”

Natalie Thornhill

(Pictured: Skills Minister Matthew Hancock)