‘VQ Award is a symbol of dedication to work’
THE search is on to crown the best learners and trainers in Wales. The Vocational Qualification (VQ) Awards in Wales offer individuals and organisations the chance to be recognised and rewarded for their commitment, hard work and achievements.
Categories include Employer of the Year, Learner of the Year (Intermediate), Learner of the Year (Higher) and Trainer of the Year, which was introduced successfully for the first time in 2017.
Nominations close on March 2 and the awards ceremony will be held at The Exchange Hotel, Cardiff on May 3 to coincide with VQ Day.
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 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 recognises 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.
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.
Learning providers across Wales are being encouraged to organise regional events and engage with learners of all ages on VQ Day. Vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual, as they deliver the trained, talented employees that businesses are crying out for and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.
The awards are organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), ColegauCymru/CollegesWales and Qualifications Wales. The campaign supports the marketing of the Apprenticeship Programme in Wales which is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
Now in their 11th consecutive year, the awards are designed to celebrate vocational qualifications for learners, trainers, training providers and employers.
Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan 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 awards help us to celebrate those Welsh employers, learners and trainers who are already going that extra mile when it comes to developing vocational skills and qualifications and I would encourage everyone to get their nominations in as soon as possible.”