Colleges and training providers across the UK will be celebrating VQ Day next week (Wednesday 4 June), and Coleg Gwent will be joining the celebration with student success, excellent results and the value of vocational training.
Students across its five campuses have kicked off the party early by getting creative with the letters VQ, including spray painting the letters on a car, building a ‘VQ’ wall, body painting ‘VQ Girl’, bending pipes and decorating cupcakes (see attached pics).
On the day – Wednesday 4 June – students will be showcasing their skills at the official south Wales event at Coleg Y Cymoedd. Fashion, IT and Complementary Therapies students will be joining learners from other colleges and training providers in the region to demonstrate the value of practical, hands on qualifications – and how they equip people for the world of work. Local schools and employers will have the chance to try their hand at massage, animation and testing IT security, and the VQ Day Awards will also be presented by Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates AM.
Vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual; they deliver the trained, talented employees businesses are crying out for and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.
Coleg Gwent student Keiron Bishop studied an Extended Diploma in Sport Coaching & Fitness – the equivalent of 3 A Levels. Keiron said: “My advice to people thinking of vocational training is to take every opportunity you can for development and experience! I have learned so much through this qualification, and have really enjoyed learning new things, whether it’s a new sport or helping children to develop their skills and confidence. It’s started me on a career that I’m passionate about, and has made a big difference to my life.”
Vocational courses include qualifications such as NVQs, City & Guilds and BTECs and some can offer an alternative route to university. They are directly related to a work area giving you skills ready for the workplace through hands on experience and practical skills, and most are assessed by coursework and projects rather than exams.
