Vocational qualifications - record numbers for under-16s
Last updated 24/06/2009 19:35:10
Vocational qualifications - record numbers for under-16s
Over 3.6 million vocational qualifications were awarded last year according to figures released to celebrate Vocational Qualifications Day.
The figures show an increase of 350,000 in the number of vocational qualifications awarded, up 11 per cent on the previous year.
The findings are contained in a review of the vocational qualifications landscape released by Edge , an independent education foundation, dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.
One of the main areas of growth is the number of under-16s gaining vocational qualifications in school. Young people achieved 322,000 vocationally-related qualifications in schools last year: the second year running the number achieved by young people has doubled.
A further 200,000 vocational qualifications were achieved by young people attending a local college or training provider part-time.
The review also identified that vocational qualifications are increasingly being recognised as university entry qualifications in the UCAS points system.
About 50 per cent of people with vocational qualifications progress to higher education and six of the top ten subject areas in higher education are vocationally-related disciplines.
Andy Powell, Chief Executive of Edge said: "In the space of just a year the vocational landscape has changed quite dramatically. Young people across the country are being given greater access than ever to vocational learning opportunities and increased acceptance of VQs at the higher education level.
"Vocational learning is no longer a marginal topic or the option for other people's children – it is a massive step forward."
Take a look at: The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is the UK's largest voluntary provider of adult education.