Empey launches Northern Ireland’s 2nd VQ Day

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today encouraged colleges, employers, training providers and awarding organisations to get involved in Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day.

VQ Day is a UK-wide celebration of the achievement of the millions of people who gain a vocational qualification every year, and highlights the many paths to success taken by learners of all ages. It will be held on 23 June 2010 across the UK and will be marked locally by an awards ceremony to be held in Belfast.

Sir Reg said: “Vocational qualifications provide tangible benefits to individuals and employers as well as creating a firm foundation for future success. VQ Day serves not only to recognise the hard work of colleges, students and employers in Northern Ireland, but to highlight the vital role of quality assured and regulated vocational qualifications.

“In the current economic climate, the importance of skills cannot be overstated. Learners must equip themselves with the skill sets demanded by employers, who in turn must recognise the crucial role that they have to play in shaping workforce development. The reward will be a modern, dynamic workforce which will drive our economy forward."

The Minister concluded: “Those embarking upon a vocational qualification can do so confident in the knowledge that the high quality training they receive will give them the opportunity to fulfil their potential, and at the same time contribute to our competitiveness in the global market.”

VQ Day is being supported by The Office of Qualifications & Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual, said: “The VQ Learner of the Year Award demonstrates the talent, skill, commitment and effort of individuals who are shining examples of excellent achievement in a vocational field. As the regulator of all vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland from 1 April 2010, Ofqual is pleased to be supporting this event.”

Joan Gormley, Ofqual's Head of Operations in Northern Ireland, added: “Vocational qualifications are a key part of the education and skills system and the world of employment in Northern Ireland. They underpin the skills agenda and can lead the way to better opportunities for individual learners. I hope this event will encourage many more to become involved in vocational learning and achievement of vocational qualifications.”

Colleges, learning providers and awarding bodies can hold their own VQ Day celebrations by downloading a VQ Day action pack from the VQ Day website. A roll call of vocational success has also been established at the VQ Day website for past and present vocational learners to log on and add their name to the list. Millions of people gain a vocational qualification, and the roll call is one way of marking that achievement. The nomination criteria and form can also be downloaded from this site.

For background information or more detail on plans for VQ Day, contact: Linda Berg on 028 9025 7506 or email linda.berg@delni.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

About VQ Day – 23 June 2010

1. Millions of people will gain a vocational qualification this year, and this will be their stepping stone to a brighter future. VQ Day celebrates this achievement and the many paths to success taken by learners of all ages.
2. Plans for VQ Day in Northern Ireland are being led by the Department for Employment and Learning in conjunction with the vocational qualifications community in Northern Ireland.
3. Twenty regional finalists will be recognised on VQ Day and two will be selected as VQ Learner of the Year. To find out more, including how to nominate a learner, visit VQ Day
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.