McDonald’s, Whitbread, Merseytravel and Clugston Construction were among 100 leading employers who came together today to campaign for greater recognition of vocational qualifications and discuss the positive impact they have on their businesses.

Over four million vocational qualifications (VQs) were awarded last year according to new figures released today to mark VQ Day, the annual nationwide celebration of vocational qualifications. The overall number of VQs achieved has risen over 11 per cent from last year – a rise welcomed by the employers.

Co-hosted by independent education foundation Edge and Business in the Community, the ‘Is the future vocational’ debate took place at the Royal Horticultural Halls earlier today and included representatives from BT, Vue Entertainment, BAE Systems, J Sainsbury, Capgemini and Orange. Employers discussed how businesses can make the most of vocational qualifications, called for vocational qualifications to be more highly regarded across industry and backed a call for more defined career progression at higher levels for vocational careers.

Employers also discussed the benefits vocational learners bring to the business citing improved confidence, enhanced performance, reduced recruitment costs, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Participating employers again reinforced their commitment to developing staff at every level of the organisation and across sectors.

John Hayes MP, Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning added his voice to the debate and backed a vocational future. Speaking at the national VQ Day event at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Hayes said:

“This year, University Technical Colleges - pioneered by Edge chairman Lord Baker and the late Ron Dearing - have propelled vocational education to the top of the political agenda.

“My ambition is that at each VQ Day, every year, we celebrate a new triumph for vocational learning.”

Copies of ‘Vocational Qualifications in the UK; 2010 update’ are available at www.vqday.org.uk/about-vq-day

Key findings were:
• The biggest sector growth area is Science and Maths (33 per cent increase) followed by Leisure, Travel and Tourism qualifications (24 per cent increase),
• Higher level VQs are increasing with foundation degrees growing strongly in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 18,850 were awarded across the UK compared to 15,000 the previous year
• Health, Public Services & Care was the biggest single sector for VQs in the UK in 2008-09, with over a million qualifications achieved
• Workplace qualifications are also increasing with 959,000 National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications achieved, an increase of over 24 per cent on the previous year

For more information about VQ Day, please visit www.vqday.org.uk