Employers, colleges, training providers and awarding organisations are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day.
VQ Day is a UK-wide celebration of the achievement of the millions of people who gain a vocational qualification every year, and highlights the many paths to success taken by learners of all ages.
Launching the awards the minister for Employment and Learning, Stephen Farry said:
“VQ Day will provide an opportunity for all those involved in the achievement, development and delivery of vocational qualifications to celebrate the importance of vocational education and training.”
Ten learners will have their achievements recognised at the Northern Ireland awards ceremony in Stormont on June 5 with the winner receiving the prestigious Northern Ireland VQ Learner of the Year trophy. In addition, three finalists will vie for the inaugural Employer of the Year award which has been introduced to recognise an employer that has embraced vocational qualifications within their workplace.
Acknowledging the importance of vocational qualifications the minister continued:
“Skills and knowledge are widely accepted as key in the modern economy and have an important part to play if we in Northern Ireland are to achieve our stated goals of rebuilding and rebalancing the local economy. If Northern Ireland is to compete in the global economic arena there must be a concerted effort to drive up skills on all fronts. Vocational qualifications have a vital role to play in this regard.”
The closing date for nominations for both awards is Friday 3 May 2013.
Applications, support materials and advice are available from http://www.delni.gov.uk/vqday
Meanwhile, the new JobCentre office in Cookstown has officially opened.
The new premises at Molesworth Plaza now offer touch-screen computers to allow job seekers to browse up-to-date vacancies with access to the Department’s job search website, a Careers Resource area and meeting rooms for one to one consultations with Employment and Careers Advisors who are on hand to offer tailored advice to job seekers.
Commending the new facility Dr Farry said:
“As we strive to rebuild our economy, the support and guidance which our staff in this office provides remains vital in helping people return to the world of work and, in doing so, help contribute to the wealth of the entire community. This year to date, Cookstown JobCentre successfully assisted over 500 people into employment. I encourage the people of Cookstown and the wider region to continue to utilise the expertise and assistance available at this new JobCentre.”