22 June 2009
According to research by independent education foundation Edge,
nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of recent graduates have already
chosen to take a vocational qualification in addition to their
university degree, and a further 17 per cent are considering doing
so.
The results also show that while three quarters of
graduates (76 per cent) believed a degree was necessary for their
chosen career, 30 per cent now feel let down by their course for
inadequately preparing them for the world of work. Recognising
their lack of work-readiness, nearly half the graduates questioned
(48 per cent) said they wish employers had been more involved in
their course.
The research, released in advance of VQ Day, the
national celebration of vocational achievement, also found that
nearly two-thirds (65%) believe it is a good idea for current
university students to study for a vocational qualification in
addition to their degree courses.
Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, said: "Graduates are
topping up their degrees with vocational qualifications because the
current system is failing to provide the skills and training that
graduates need and employers so desperately want. There are many
paths to success and it's time that practical training is
incorporated into the curriculum at a much earlier stage to ensure
young people are enter the working world with the skills they
require.
"In the current climate, it's more important than ever that
vocational qualifications get the recognition they deserve, to
remove once and for all the outdated notion that academic courses
are the only way for young people to achieve their aspirations. We
are calling on people across the UK to support VQ Day on 24th June
2009, the only official celebration of vocational
qualifications."
Notes to editors
Research was carried out by PCP. Total sample size was 502 UK
graduates aged 25 and under who graduated with a first degree in
the past three years. Fieldwork was undertaken from 6th - 15th May
2009. The survey was carried out online.
For more information on VQ Day please contact Zoe Penn or Andy
Wray on 020 7419 6950 or email vqday@bbpr.com
More news