11 June 2009
The announcement follows a successful two years where over 200
colleges, employers and learning providers have joined in the
celebrations, as well as famous faces Alesha Dixon and James
Martin.
Since VQ Day launched in 2008, over 140 politicians from across the
UK have supported the Day including the English minister for
further education Kevin Brennan MP, Scottish minister for Schools
and Skills Keith Brown MSP, Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills John
Griffiths AM and Sir Reg Empey MLA, Minister for Employment and
Learning in Northern Ireland.
The Day is fast becoming a permanent fixture in the education
calendar and awareness in 2009 was double that of 2008, according
to independent YouGov data.
Plans for 2010 (and beyond) are currently being developed by the
partners behind the Day. Plans are being led by Edge and supported
by the wider education community including representation from all
four UK nations, examination boards, employers' organisations as
well as college and learning provider associations.
Edge is calling on schools, colleges, learning providers and
employers to sign up for 2010 at www.vqday.org. From early 2010 the
site will contain information and downloadable toolkits to help
colleges, learning providers, employers and schools around the
country get involved and hold their own VQ Day celebrations.
Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, commented:
"Millions of people gain vocational qualifications every year that
are the stepping stone to a brighter future, be that further
vocational study or university, a better job or enhanced
skills.
"Young people are being given greater access than ever to
vocational learning opportunities, businesses are using vocational
qualifications to respond to changing business needs and vocational
qualifications are helping people of all ages realize their dreams
and fulfill their talents.
"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."
More news