Association of Colleges

23 July 2008

Over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications  were awarded in the UK last year according to figures released today to mark the first Vocational Qualifications Day (VQ Day).

The figures, contained in an independent Review of vocational qualifications by education foundation Edge, show a rise of 8.3 per cent on the previous year and a 117 per cent rise on the numbers awarded five years ago.

They are released to mark the inaugral Vocational Qualifications Day.

Martin Doel, AoC Chief Executive said:

"VQ Day is a superb opportunity to celebrate vocational qualifications across the UK and to give students and staff the chance to take pride in their achievements. Colleges deliver more than half of all vocational qualifications and support this unique opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve."

For case studies of college students celebrating VQ Day, please contact AoC Press Office on 027 034 9900.

The top five vocational subject areas to study in the last year were healthcare, retail, business, construction and engineering, and vocational qualifications are available in a vast range of subjects reflecting the modern economy.

The Review concludes that this growth in numbers taking vocational qualifications has been down to the significant demand from employers for qualifications designed to meet the skills needed in the economy.

The popularity of vocational courses has prompted many schools to offer a broader curriculum.

The number of schools awarding vocational qualifications doubled in the last year, although colleges, private training companies and employers remain the largest providers of practical courses. 

At the other end of the scale, over half of all NVQ/SVQ awards are achieved by people aged 25 and over, and a quarter by people over 40, reflecting their use in raising workforce skills and value to people of all ages.

The rise in more people taking vocational courses is accompanied by increased success rates for learners.  Passes at further education colleges increased by an average of 2.5 per cent a year between 2003 and 2007 to reach 78 per cent last year. 

For those taking higher education vocational qualifications in colleges, the success rate was over 77 per cent – about the same as for higher education overall.  Success rates for Apprenticeships have risen substantially in recent years and currently stand at 63 per cent – comparable to other European countries.

The main benefits of people gaining vocational qualifications identified in the Review include:
• Improved school performance.
• More people with work ready skills.
• Increased earnings for people with vocational qualifications.
• Improved staff retention when offered in the workplace.
• Improved and increased progression to further learning – including university.
• The provision of a ‘licence to practise’ in the relevant profession or industry.

Andy Powell, Chief Executive of Edge, welcomed the publication of the report: “Today is a landmark day for vocational qualifications.  At long last we can now see a full picture of the many different paths to success available and the sheer numbers achieving vocational qualifications.  This Review also highlights the very real benefits that vocational qualifications offer to young people, adults and the economy – providing people with the skills so desperately needed by employers."

Ends

For the full report, interviews with Edge, VQ Day supporters, young people and adult case studies, college visits, online video packages, B-roll, photography and regional packages please contact:
Simon Francis, Collette O’Leary, Heather Wilson, Zoë Penn or Natalie D’Angelo, Band & Brown Communications, 020 7419 6950 / vqday@bbpr.com.

 

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