Celebrating vocational achievement

22nd June 2009

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ePolitix.com speaks to Dr Alison Birkinshaw, chairwoman of the FE Reputation Strategy Group, about the importance of vocational qualification and the 'VQ Day' celebrations.

Question: Tell us about the work of the Further Education Reputation Strategy Group (FERSG).

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: FERSG has a long history. It originally grew out of the LSC's 'Agenda for Change' when it was identified that work needed to take place to raise the reputation of further education (FE). Since then the group has changed to become sector owned but supported by DIUS, DCSF, LSC and other key stakeholders. We work with a range of individuals and member groups to promote the fantastic work done by the FE sector to change lives.

Question: What is 'VQ Day' and how is the Group supporting it?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: 'VQ Day' is a nationwide celebration of vocational achievements. This year it will be taking place on June 24, celebrating the millions who have achieved vocational qualifications over the years and those who help them achieve this success.

The FE Reputation Strategy Group is delighted to support 'VQ Day' – this is a great opportunity to highlight that FE works to support thousands of students to achieve vocational qualifications each year. This makes a major contribution to the economic health of the nation as well as leading to personal fulfilment in a wide variety of careers for huge numbers of people.

We work as a group, advising on the day, showing support on the website and helping to spread the work about 'VQ Day'. The group also supports the parliamentary launch. Members of the group such as the Association of Colleges and Association of Learning Providers are also supporting their members to host local celebrations.

Question: Why are vocational qualifications so important?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: Each year we celebrate A-levels without asking this question. I think that's because the answer is obvious. It should be even more clear why vocational qualifications are important.

Vocational qualifications help individuals get the skills, qualifications and personal experience needed to achieve their aspirations in your career and have a good quality of life.

People train whilst working or studying full time in college or school.

The choice is wide and education and training can fit around other commitments.

Theoretical and practical learning are combined making an individual more attractive to potential employers. Additional qualifications allow personalised learning to take place designed with particular career paths in mind.

The FE sector helps many people gain confidence through learning and the sector offers a safe and welcoming place to study and work, with high quality staff and learning facilities and the latest technology and equipment available.

Question: Do you feel that vocational qualifications and the students who succeed in attaining them are getting the recognition they deserve?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: I think we are getting there. Colleges and training providers are really working hard to publicise the benefits brought by a vocational education. Edge is also doing a fantastic job, but there's always more to do.

Question: What else can be done to raise the profile of vocational qualifications?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: I think we could do more to ensure careers education and advice in schools is fully informed about the range of vocational qualifications on offer. Still, A-levels are considered the inevitable path for the student with five or more GCSEs at C or above and often a vocational qualification including an apprenticeship could be a better alternative.

It is also really important to ensure that school leavers realise that it is possible to progress from Level 1 to Level 3 to employment and higher education via vocational qualifications and get really good advice on the options available. Not all school leavers are getting proper guidance and they can waste at least a year finding out the options the hard way.

Question: How is the FERSG raising the profile of further education?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: We are developing a national voice and identity for the sector, bringing together organisations from across the sector to discuss the management of common issues; supporting national events, disseminating research, managing reputational hotspots and I believe we are making a difference.

Question: Looking ahead, what are the biggest reputational issues facing the FE sector in the next few years?

Dr Alison Birkinshaw: Gaining the full credit FE deserves. FE is playing a key role in supporting businesses and individuals to come through the recession and assisting them to be in a position to take advantage of the upturn when it comes. It needs to be recognised for that important role. Alongside that, FE should be recognised for the value it brings to local communities and improved social well being and the way it promotes community cohesion experienced by individuals.

Colleges and training providers also play a significant role educating 14 to 19-year-olds and we need to work more closely with local authorities to ensure they understand FE, the complex nature of the sector and the very good job we do. Clearly, we will also be challenged by the efficiencies that are inevitably going to impact on public funding. We must ensure we work together to ensure that as much funding goes to the front line in these difficult times and that quality remains high in every are of our work. Then the reputation of the FE sector will remain strong and we can continue to make a real difference.

Links:

VQ Day

FE Reputation Strategy Group