VOCATIONAL qualifications have a key role to play in rebuilding the local economy.
That was the message from Employment and Learning minister Stephen Farry at a recent awards ceremony to mark Vocational Qualification (VQ) Day 2013.
At the ceremony, held in Parliament Buildings, Jacqueline McCaughey; an employee of the charity MindWise, scooped the Northern Ireland VQ Learner of the Year 2013 award, while McGee’s and Schrader Electronics were announced as the joint winners of the inaugural Northern Ireland VQ Employer of the Year.
Congratulating the VQ Learner of the Year winner and finalists, the minister said: “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 goal of rebuilding and rebalancing the local economy. If Northern Ireland is to compete in the global market there must be a concerted effort to drive up skills on all fronts. Vocational qualifications have a vital role to play in this regard.”
He continued: “I commend Jacqueline and all the finalists — they have demonstrated drive and determination to achieve their goals. They are inspirational role models to their peers, and I wish all participants continued success in their chosen vocational areas.”
VQ Day is a UK-wide celebration of the achievement of the millions of people, who gain a vocational qualification every year. This year, a new employer award was introduced to recognise an employer that has embraced vocational qualifications within the workplace.
Schrader Electronics were recognised for their commitment to training. Since May 2007, a total of 855 employees have achieved nationally recognised qualifications in a range of occupational areas including engineering, health and safety, customer service and leadership and management at the organisation.
Retail butchery store McGee’s were recognised for the development of a comprehensive training programme in association with their local college. This provided opportunities for their staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications in a range of disciplines including butchery, food safety and food processing to customer service, team leading and management. The training programme also demonstrated significant business improvements to the retail outlet.
Congratulating all of the VQ Employer of the Year finalists, Minister Farry said: “I want to thank each of you for the role that you have played, and are continuing to play, in championing vocational qualifications within the workplace. You are true ambassadors for the commercial and individual benefits of vocational qualifications and I have no doubt that your organisations will continue to reap these benefits for many years to come.”