The May 1 deadline is fast approaching for this year’s Vocational Qualification (VQ) awards, which celebrate the achievements of both learners and employers across Wales.
Organised by the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) and CollegesWales with support from the European Social Fund, the VQ Awards help to showcase individuals and organisations that have raised the standard of the services they offer as a result of vocational qualifications.
The awards, which are now in their eighth year, coincide with Vocational Qualifications Day – a UK-wide celebration of vocational qualifications for students, teachers, training providers and employers – which is held on June 10.
There are two award categories: the VQ Learner of the Year and the VQ Employer of the Year. Finalists will be shortlisted from entries and announced in early May. The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at St David’s Hotel, Cardiff on the evening of June 9, the eve of VQ Day.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “A VQ Award is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of dedication towards your chosen profession. Professional and personal development programmes are utilised for staff to enable them to follow a pathway of learning to meet company, customer and individual needs.
“The VQ Awards help us to celebrate those Welsh employers and learners who are already going that extra mile when it comes to developing vocational skills and qualifications.
“If the Welsh economy is to continue to grow then we must ensure that employers, individuals and the Welsh Government work together to invest in the right skills for success in order to equip Wales with a world class work force.”
The VQ Learner the Year Award recognises learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies and have made considerable achievements in their field.
The VQ Employer of the Year Award recognises employers who promote the value of vocational qualifications in the workplace and make a real contribution, relative to their size, to improving skills and national competitiveness.
For more information on the awards or to enter visit http://www.vqday.org.uk and download an application form.
