06 September 2010
The research unveiled in advance of the annual VQ Day, a
celebration of vocational qualifications, shows that 45 per cent of
Civil Servants are not content with their roles. Sixty nine per
cent of Civil Servants would pursue a different career path if they
were given a second chance, with over a third (34 per cent) of
these saying that having a vocational qualification would help them
achieve their dream job.
At the other end of the scale, the UK's happiest workers are
Health Care Professionals, with 88 per cent saying they are
content.
Overall one in five UK workers (21 per cent) say they are
unhappy at work. Given our time again, more than half of us (52 per
cent) would chose a different profession, with working as a writer
or broadcaster/journalist (8 per cent), a teacher or lecturer (8
per cent) or a lawyer (7 per cent) topping the poll for those who
would want a change. However, 62 per cent of these people did not
think that having a vocational qualification would help them
achieve their ideal job.
In fact only 33 per cent of would-be teachers, 29 per cent of
would-be journalists/broadcasters/writers and 26 per cent of
would-be lawyers realised that a vocational qualification could
help them achieve their dreams.
Peter Mitchell, Education Director of Edge, the independent education foundation behind
VQ Day commented: "There is a misguided view that careers such as
law can only be achieved through an academic qualification such as
a degree. This is no longer the case - vocational qualifications
offer a solid route into a great many careers."
Only 35 per cent of people have aspired to work in their current
career since their school days. Two fifths (43 per cent) of people
who would pursue their current career again say they thought a
vocational qualification would help if they were to start over.
Rod Bristow, President, Pearson UK (parent company of awarding
body Edexcel) said: "For too long some people have believed that
showing what you know through what you can write is worth
more than showing what you know through what you can do.
But vocational qualifications (like BTEC) are now gaining the
popularity and esteem they deserve. VQ Day is a wonderful
opportunity to celebrate their importance."
Peter Mitchell, Education Director of Edge continued: "VQ Day is
all about celebrating those who have achieved vocational
qualifications and the many paths to success that they open up for
learners of all ages. If you are not happy with your career, VQ Day
is a wonderful opportunity to have a look at the options that are
out there - with events all over the country, log on to the www.vqday.org website and see
what's happening in your area."
VQ Day will take place on June 23rd with celebrations
in London, Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff as well as colleges,
learning providers and businesses up and down the UK.
Professions and happiness rating
Healthcare professional - 88%
Scientist/R&D Scientist - 87%
Teacher/lecturer - 84%
Accountant - 81%
Sales person - 81%
IT specialist - 78%
Engineer - 77%
Administrator - 76%
Retail worker - 75%
Secretary/Receptionist - 74%
Civil Servant - 55%
The research was conducted by PCP Ltd between 10th May and
14th May 2010. Total sample size was 1019 people aged 18 to 65
living in the UK. Responses were obtained online. Results were
weighted by age and region to be representative of the
population.
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