Over 4 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, according to the VQ Day review of vocational qualifications. Sectors vital to the UK’s economic recovery have seen a considerable rise in the number of qualifications awarded. The biggest sector growth area is Science and Maths (33 per cent increase) which provides vital technical skills to ensure the UK is successful in the global marketplace.

The imminent arrival of the Olympics has also impacted sectors with Leisure, Travel and Tourism qualifications increasing by 24 per cent. Meanwhile sectors vital to future economic growth have seen rises, with Engineering and manufacturing qualifications up 21 per cent, Construction up 22 per cent and Business, Administration and Law up 24 per cent.

However, a sector that could see a lack of skilled workers in the future is Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care which has seen the biggest decline in qualifications awarded, with numbers decreasing by 27 per cent.

Lord Baker, Chairman of independent education foundation Edge, which supports VQ Day said: “If the UK is to succeed in the global economy we will need a larger skilled workforce. These VQ increases in our major industries are good news for economic growth in the years to come.”

“For three years in a row we have seen a rise in vocational qualifications awarded which is very encouraging. But, we must not be complacent as there is still room for improvement to ensure that all young people have access to the many paths to success available.”

Today marks the third annual VQ Day, a nationwide celebration of the people who gain vocational qualifications each year. The Day raises the stature and demonstrates the benefits of practical and vocational qualifications to future learners, employers, opinion formers and the wider public.

Other findings in the report reveal:
• 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% on the previous year

Senior business leaders will today debate the impact and the future of vocational qualifications in the workplace. Discussing the report will be 100 senior executives from Whitbread, McDonalds, Merseytravel and Clugstons Construction amongst others at the annual VQ Day, this year being held at the Royal Horticultural Halls. The day’s celebrations will also include the VQ Learner Award ceremony hosted by entertainment icon Arlene Phillips OBE, which will recognise these learners who have achieved vocational excellence.

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

Copies of Vocational Qualifications in the UK; 2010 update 23rd June 2010 are available at www.vqday.org.uk