Find out more about Vocational Qualifications (VQ’s)

What is a Vocational Qualification?

Vocational Qualifications (VQs) are a key element of lifelong learning systems equipping people with knowledge, know-how, skills and/or competences required in particular occupations or more broadly in the labour market.

Vocational Qualifications respond to the needs of the economy but also provide learners with skills for personal development and active citizenship. Vocational Qualifications contribute to enterprise performance, competitiveness, research and innovation and are central to employment and social policy.

Employers in Wales were significantly more likely to have trained their staff at Level 3 or above (74%, compared to a UK average of 65%). This is a positive sign, indicating that employers are training staff to a higher level than they were previously.

Why?

Vocational qualifications deserve the same accolades and level of recognition that academic qualifications receive. There are GCSE and A-Level results days so why not a day to celebrate VQs? Hence VQ Day!

VQ Day and Awards

The VQ Day and VQ Awards alike, raise the status of technical, practical and vocational learning. VQs should be seen as an aspirational yet attainable route for all and regarded as equal to that of other educational routes. It’s essential to recognise that there are many paths to success and to appreciate the value that vocational qualifications bring to the individual, employers, society and the economy.

VQ’s have never been more important to the wider economy and the individual, as they deliver the trained, talented employees that businesses are crying out for and ensure individuals have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.

We want everyone to come together to recognise how high quality VQs can enhance life and work chances.

How can I get involved?

VQ Day is only so successful due to the hundreds of schools, colleges, work-based providers, businesses and learners getting involved across the country.

There are many ways for you to be a part of VQ Day, putting on events, engaging with social media, nominating learners and employers and engaging your local AMs and MP are just some of them.

Want to know more about VQs?

Contact your nearest training provider today, click onto the representation bodies below:

Are you looking for a route into a career you love? Vocational qualifications can help.

Vocational qualifications (VQ’s) are a mix between practical and technical training, giving you the work based skills you need to get ahead in your career.

Available at a number of study levels, there are VQ courses to suit all interests. So whether you want to become an engineer or a carpenter, a TV producer or a web developer there is a vocational qualification that could get you there.

Get Involved

VQ Day 2018 takes place on Wednesday 15 May. There will be various events taking place in Wales to allow the whole nation to celebrate the vocational achievements of individuals and to explore the benefits that vocational training and qualifications can bring you.

Key dates

Friday 8 March – Closing date for applications
Thursday 4 April – Finalists to be announced
Wednesday 15 May – VQ Day and winners announced at the VQ Awards Ceremony in Cardiff

Promoting VQ Day through Social Media

On the 15 May we will be running a #VQDay Social Media Takeover, by flooding our social media channels with stories and posts about vocational qualifications throughout the day. To generate a VQ frenzy and get people talking about these fantastic qualifications we want you to be involved by filling your social media channels with #VQDay content too. Read more >>>

Facebook
We have created a VQ frame for you to use on your social media profile image or header – It is call VQ Day Wales and can be found in the “add frame” option when you edit your profile picture on Facebook.

Action Pack and Marketing Materials

Action Pack
To help with the promotion of the day we have put together a VQ Action Pack. This contains helpful information on:

• Event options: ideas of how you can be involved in VQ Day
• Engaging your local AMs and MP
• Generating media coverage: source case studies, press release templates and ministerial/organisation quotes to help with your media campaign, and
• VQ Day promotion

Marketing Materials
We have also produced a series of marketing materials to help you support the day. These include: