Students swap vocational courses

TV and film students at East Riding College have been swapping their cameras for nappies as part of a national celebration of vocational qualifications.

All week, learners have been changing roles to try out subjects and activities they would not normally experience, with IT, construction, engineering, childcare and TV and film having a go at other subject areas at both the Beverley and Bridlington campuses.

It has been organised as part of the seventh annual VQ Day, which aims to recognise the millions of talented and skilled people throughout the UK who are awarded vocational qualifications.

VQ Day aims to secure for vocational qualifications the same accolades and level of recognition received by academic qualifications, such as GCSEs and A-levels.

Melanie Brown, guidance services manager at the college, said: “We encourage our students to have an understanding and appreciation of what their counterparts on other courses are learning about as it helps them to become a well-rounded young adult.

“Already this week, we have had learners say how surprised they are about what is involved in looking after a baby and how much maths and science goes into building a wall.

She added: “VQ Day is all about raising awareness of the importance of vocational qualifications, whether they are being studied by young people on leaving school or by adults in the workplace.

“Countless successful business people and captains of industry have taken the vocational route into work or university and we are aiming to raise awareness of this through VQ Day.”

Led by the independent education charity Edge, VQ Day aims to press home the message that vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual.

It highlights the fact that they deliver the trained, talented employees businesses need and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.