Vocational excellence of staff to be acknowledged by VQ Day awards

Companies are being encouraged to put themselves forward for the Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Employer of the Year award to celebrate the range of opportunities available in the UK for VQ achievers.

The seventh annual VQ Day campaign is calling for vocational excellence to be recognised in business to raise the status of technical, practical and vocational learning and employment.

A recent report, commissioned by independent education charity Edge Foundation, found many young people are still being discouraged from opting for vocational education despite research showing people who take a vocational career are as equally fulfilled as those who choose a more academic pathway.

Employers are also being encouraged to nominate outstanding pupils and employees in the VQ Day awards to highlight the positive impact vocational qualifications can have on people’s lives.

Jan Hodges, CEO of the Edge Foundation said: “At Edge, we acknowledge that there are many paths to success - vocational education is one of many routes available for people looking to gain qualifications suited to their individual skills and needs. It is imperative that vocational qualifications are seen by society as on a par with other qualifications.

“VQ Day is an opportunity to celebrate vocational achievement. This year we have revitalised the awards to celebrate not only the successes of VQ learners and employers but also to recognise vocational education teachers and trainers who have inspired and helped their learners to gain the technical, practical and work-related skills to get the edge in their chosen careers.”

The awards will take place on 3 June 2014, and are being sponsored by City & Guilds with nominations submitted before the deadline of 2 May judged by a panel of experts.

Ladst year’s winner of Employer of the Year was Veolia Environment.

Managing director, Veolia Campus said: “It was an honour to receive the first employer focused award on behalf of the Veolia Group at VQ Day last year and be recognised for the investment we put into ensuring our employees are the best they can be. Organisations play a vital role in the development of their employees and the benefits of developing vocational training programmes for staff are evident on both a personal and commercial level. This award encourages employers to make vocational, on-the-job training a priority and celebrates the many organisations across the country already doing so.”

For information on how to enter visit: www.vqday.org.uk/vq-awards