Nation celebrates VQ Day 2009

National celebrations to recognise the key role played by Vocational Qualifications kicked-off at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons today.

Millions of people will have achieved a VQ this year, and local and regional events will accompany highly-anticipated celebrations in London to showcase the diversity of vocational success.

Plans for VQ Day, which are being led by independent educational foundation Edge, aims to raise the profile of the qualification, and communicate its value to future students, potential employers and the general public.

"Millions of people will gain a vocational qualification this year that will be the stepping stone to a brighter future, be that further vocational study or university, a better job or enhanced skills. VQ Day celebrates this achievement and the many paths to success taken by learners of all ages. I hope the whole country, and all political parties, will once again get behind VQ Day and join the celebrations," said Edge chief executive Andy Powell.

A live web link from 3pm today will see two VQ champions answering questions on behalf of those seeking more information about the qualificication. Peter Mitchell, education director of Edge, will be joined by "VQ Hero" Sophie Kelly. At just 19 year old, Sophie rocketed to acclaim after achieving the Young Learner of the Year 2008 – while keeping up as the sole carer for her grandmother. She achieved a distinction in her BTEC National Diploma in Care last year, which led to a place on a degree course in Social Work at Goldsmiths University.

To watch the live web link, which will also be available on demand at the end of the day, click here.