Member Article

Newcastle celebrates VQ Day

This week sees the celebration of the first ever VQ Day - designed to raise public awareness about the value of all vocational and work focused qualifications.

VQ Day takes place on 23 July 2008 and is organised by educational foundation Edge. As well as a national launch event in London, the Day will also see the publication of a report into the vocational qualifications landscape.

Jill Stevens, from the Newcastle’s Pitman Training said; “Sadly, less than half (44 per cent) of the population agree that vocational qualifications are as important as A-Levels. The organisers of VQ day hope that the Day will counter the prejudice that exists in our country about vocational qualifications.”

“But we know just how much value can be gained from practical, work focused skills, such as those delivered at Pitman Training centres throughout the UK. As well as training which is of real value to prospective employers, people who achieve our certificates and diplomas gain enormously in terms of confidence and self-esteem.”

A roll call of vocational success has been established online at www.vqday.org, with all learners past and present invited to add their name to the list of people across the UK who have gained a vocational qualification. In addition, honorary vocational qualifications will be awarded on VQ Day to ‘VQ Heroes’ who embody vocational success.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .