KEETCH SUPPORTS SECOND ANNUAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS DAY

9.54.37am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 8th Jun 2009

Paul Keetch MP is supporting the launch of the second annual VQ Day - the nationwide day to celebrate vocational achievement - and is encouraging local colleges and learning providers to get involved.

VQ Day 2009 was launched at a Parliamentary reception on 4 March. VQ Day 2009 will be held on 24th June to recognise the success of millions of vocational learners around the UK in the past year.

Last year, research by the independent education foundation Edge to coincide with the inaugural VQ Day, found that over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications were awarded in the preceding twelve months. A new report will be released in June to highlight this year's results and the changing vocational landscape.

The day will be marked by events held at colleges and learning providers across the country - with national events in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Paul Keetch MP for Hereford said:

"Vocational qualifications are hugely important to the economy of the UK, as well as bringing myriad benefits to the local community. VQ Day gives learners who have chosen the vocational route the recognition they deserve and I wholeheartedly congratulate those who will be gaining a VQ this year. I hope colleges, learners and employers throughout Hereford will join the celebrations on 24 June."

Plans for the Day are being led by Edge, and are supported by the wider education community including examination boards, employers' organisations, the Association of Colleges and the Association of Learning Providers.

Colleges, learning providers and employers around the country are urged to get involved. An action pack is available for colleges and learning providers to download from www.vqday.org in order for them to hold their own VQ Day celebrations.

Andy Powell, chief executive Edge, commented:

"Millions of people will gain a vocational qualification this year that will be the stepping stone to a brighter future, be that further vocational study or university, a better job or enhanced skills. 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."

A roll call of vocational success has been established on the VQ Day website for past and present vocational learners to log on and add their name to the list. Colleges can also nominate learners for the VQ Hero Awards, by downloading a VQ Hero nomination form. One VQ 'Learner' and one 'Young Learner' in each region will be awarded the status of VQ Hero, with the national winners announced on 24th June.

Last year's VQ Hero, Sophie Kelly - who achieved a BTEC National Diploma in Care - also spoke at the launch of VQ Day 2009:

"The VQ Hero awards help highlight the importance of vocational learning and winning the national award was a great honour. I am now taking a Social Work degree at Goldsmiths University showing how a VQ can be a real springboard to further success."

For more information please visit www.vqday.org.