What is a VQ?

VQ stands for Vocational Qualification. A VQ means a recognised qualification at any level relating to a particular line of work or specific job role. These qualifications have an emphasis on the assessment of practical skills and knowledge.

Examples include BTECs, City & Guilds, NVQ/SVQ, OCR Nationals, Apprenticeships, HNC/HNDs, degrees with a largely vocational content and professional qualifications awarded through a recognised professional body. They cover subjects that range from agriculture to accountancy, business to beauty therapy, care work to construction and many more.

Read some of the success stories below to hear how their VQ has opened doors for them.

WHAT A VQ CAN DO FOR YOU

VQs are focused on helping you learn skills that will give you a head start in your career, rather than just theory. They can give you a foot in the door to the industry you want to work in, or prepare you for further vocational study or university.

Success stories

Lucia Castro
NVQ Intermediate Health and Social Care and BTEC National Diploma Health and Social Care

Lucia came to the UK from Angola in October 2003, needing to learn a second language and adjust to an unfamiliar culture. She completed a GNVQ and BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, gaining distinctions across the board, and has worked with people with social problems and drug/alcohol addiction whilst also supporting a fellow refugee at the college. Lucia has just completed her first year if a degree in Midwifery at Manchester University, and was the English Young Learner of the year.
Alex Green
NVQ Level 3 Professional Chef

Alex excelled in his Level 2 Professional Cookery course and went on to complete his Level 3 Professional Chef qualification. Alex won a Gold medal at 'Junior Chef of the Year' and came runner up in the Gordon Ramsay Scholarship. He is currently excelling in a placement at Claridges London. In addition, Alex gives demonstrations to community and farming groups, and is a member of his local church group, raising money for charity projects. Alex was the Young Learner of the Year for Northern Ireland.
Jeanette Pearce
AAT Technician NVQ Level 4

Jeanette says: "The AAT qualification has given me so much more confidence. I feel like I have really achieved something that I can be proud of. I would definitely recommend it to other people."
Craig Forrest
HND in Make-Up Artistry

Craig, Student Make-Up Artist of the Year in 2008, has always shown eagerness to learn both independently and as part of a group. His impressive creativity has shown in regional and national competitions where he has experienced great success. His enthusiasm for his art has been proven through work experience in film, television, theatre and fashion which has led to the start of a successful career, touring with Scottish Opera and Opera North. Craig was the Scottish Learner of the Year.
Kelly Goss
National Diploma Art and Design

Kelly has made outstanding progress in the fashion world, winning a place at the Fashion Retail Academy in London, headlining a fashion show at M1NT in London's Mayfair and even starting her own clothing label, Rock 'n' Needle. In addition to her VQ Hero win, Kelly has also been nominated for a 'Swansea Bay Young Achiever of the Year Award'. Excitingly, Kelly has been invited to take part in the London launch of the Clothes Show Live this year, and the Birmingham Clothes Show Live event. Kelly was the Young Learner of the Year for Wales.
Sioned Rowlands
Higher National Certificate in Floristry, Master Diploma in Floristry

Despite a career in primary school education, Sioned longed for a career in floristry, following her first Saturday job at a florists. After taking an ACL evening course in floristry, Sioned returned to college to take a level 4 floristry course and a business start up course. Now, Sioned owns her own business and is a presenter on Welsh gardening programme "Byw yn yr aradd" (Life in the Garden) and a tutor at the Welsh College of Horticulture; Sioned was the Learner of the Year for Wales.
Aaron Collins
BTEC National Diploma Art & Design

Aaron started his Foundation Construction Award after being excluded from mainstream education. Aaron turned his life around, gaining a distinction in the BTEC First Diploma in Art & Design and then progressing to the National Diploma. Aaron is also studying towards an ASDAN qualification in mentoring, and volunteers to support young offenders. Aaron has accepted a place at Kingston University to study Architecture, and was the English Learner of the Year.
Sara Pullen
BTEC Higher National Certificate and a BTEC Higher National Diploma in manufacturing engineering

Sara says: "The BTECs provided the basics for the Engineering degree I have completed and produced great foundations for my current success. I saw graduates coming into the industry after university and they just didn't have the practical skills I'd gained whilst undertaking a BTEC."
David Gough
AAT Intermediate NVQ Level 3

David says: "I work in Accounts Payable and the AAT scheme has really helped me with VAT queries with invoices. I'm moving to the VAT section of the company soon and I'm confident that my studies will assist me more."
Leanne Williams
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in hairdressing

Leanne says: "I think that NVQs are a brilliant way to gain the qualifications that you want and to build your confidence and knowledge in the profession you decide to follow."
Lynette Wieland
Advanced apprenticeship in business and administration

Lynette says: "I have learned how our education system can sometimes mislead young people into thinking that sixth form is the only way to succeed. I have tailored the further education system to my needs by following an NVQ programme as well as studying for an AS level in Biology through distance learning."
Andrew White
BTEC First Diploma in public services, Advanced GNVQ in leisure and tourism

Andrew says: "I was a typical dyslexic student who didn't suit the academic route I was shoe-horned into at school. However, following my GCSEs I completed a BTEC First Diploma and an Advanced GNVQ and then went to University where I gained a Degree in Business and Tourism. From here I completed my PGCE. I now teach and have just been nominated for a teaching award. Not everyone fits the academic model and without the vocational route I would probably be in a low-paid unskilled job. Instead I am in the best job ever."
Kirsty Hollingshead
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in plumbing and heating

Kirsty says: "It was a perfect route for me as I could earn as I learnt. I'm fully qualified with no debt behind me and have even been able to buy my own house - what more could I want?"
Anna Khnykina
BTEC National Diploma in Multimedia

Anna says: "My course was great in getting me established in the media industry, and gave me amazing opportunities such as my work experience at the BBC. It really opened my eyes to what I want to do in life."
Paol Kemp
BTEC National Diploma in graphic design

Paol says: "The teaching I experienced on my course was excellent - the fact that they teach part-time while still being in the industry is great. The students are really motivated because they've all chosen to be there, which creates a pleasant work atmosphere."
Kurvil Allenyen
NVQ Level 3 in hospitality and catering

Kurvil says: "I was born in Guyana in the Caribbean and came to the UK in 2003. I passed my citizenship test in order to continue to live and study in the UK. I hope that my NVQ will enable me to progress further."
Maureen Romaniuk
NVQ Level 4 in information, advice and guidance

Maureen says: "When I left school I began work for the Civil Service. There were no expectations of me. It took me years to realise that I could achieve."
Zephan Herman
BTEC National Diploma in sports and exercise science

Zephan says: "My tutor was excellent, his classes were great and he would always offer a one-on-one session if you needed it. He was constantly encouraging us all to do better."
Chris Brown
NVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations, NVQ level 3 in engineering technical support

Chris says: "VQs have given me a huge depth of skills, knowledge and experience which I can use together with academic knowledge to provide better prospects for my future employment."
Winniefred Ibiba Jones
BTEC National Diploma in applied science

Winniefred says: "I loved my time at Hammersmith & West London College - the lessons are straight forward, you get the attention you need and the teachers really listen to you."
Vinay Sothilingham
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners

Vinay says: "I started at Southall & West London College with no GCSEs on the Intro to IT course, and I went on to win a scholarship to Brunel University. I put lots of hard work into my studying, and the staff were all really helpful."
Usman Ahmad
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners

Usman says: "My BTEC led to a scholarship at Brunel University to study IT Information Systems. Southall and West London College is an incredible place - there is nowhere else like it!"
Emryr Thomas
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners

Emyr says: "Doing the BTEC was one of the best decisions I ever made. I spent two years studying a subject that I really enjoy. I earned UCAS points as I progressed through the course so I knew I had the grades for university."
Alexandra McLoughlin
BTEC in media production

Alexandra says: "BTEC seemed to fit in well with my abilities and my dreams of one day being a music journalist and broadcaster. I enjoyed everything about the course, especially being able to use the latest media technology."
Gary Tuddenham
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in fine furniture making

Gary says: "Doing a VQ in something I love led to me being the best young cabinet maker in the world" (Gary won the UK the gold medal for cabinet making in World Skills Japan in 2007)