Countdown to 8 March closing date for this year’s VQ Awards

Nominations are flying in for the Vocational Qualification (VQ) awards. Learners, trainers and employers in every part of Wales who have used technical, practical and vocational qualifications to achieve success are being encouraged to submit their entries for the prestigious awards before the midday 8 March closing date.

The VQ Awards celebrate and reward individuals and organisations for their hard work and commitment to vocational training in Wales.

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Nominations are sought in four categories: VQ Intermediate Learner of the Year, VQ Higher Learner of the Year, VQ Trainer of the Year and VQ Employer of the Year.

From the entries, a panel of judges will select the category finalists for a high-profile awards ceremony to be held at the National Museum Cardiff on 15 May to coincide with VQ Day.

To enter the awards, which are now in their 12th consecutive year, download a nomination form at https://www.vqday.wales .

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The VQ Learner Awards recognise learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies and have made considerable achievements in their field. The VQ Intermediate Learner of the Year Award is for learners with qualifications up to level three, while the VQ Higher Learner of the Year Award is for qualifications from level four upwards.

The VQ Employer of the Year Award focuses on employers who promote the value of vocational qualifications in the workplace and make a real contribution to improving the skills and national competitiveness.

The VQ Trainer of the Year Award rewards individual trainers who have made a telling contribution to supporting learners in the workplace to achieve excellence whilst also constantly improving their own skills and knowledge.

Supporters of vocational qualifications across Wales are being encouraged to engage on social media and share their own stories of success throughout VQ Day on 15 May. VQ Day celebrates vocational achievement and the benefits of technical, practical and vocational learning to both the individual and the Welsh economy.

The campaign and the awards are jointly organised by the Welsh Government, the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), ColegauCymru/CollegesWales, Qualifications Wales and the Education Workforce Council. The Welsh Government’s funding has support from the European Social Fund.

Minister for Education Kirsty Williams said: “A VQ award is a symbol of dedication towards a chosen profession, demonstrating to others a real commitment towards personal and professional development.

“The purpose of these qualifications is to provide individuals with skills that are applicable in the workplace and have a direct and immediate effect on productivity and consequently economic growth.

“Vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual, as they deliver the trained, talented employees that businesses need and ensure that individuals have the right skills to succeed in education and work.

“I would encourage Welsh employers, learners and trainers, who are going that extra mile to help us demonstrate the essential contribution that skills and high standards of competence can make to the bottom line and individual fulfilment, to get their nominations in as soon as possible.”