23rd July 2008 was the first ever Vocational Qualification Day, where people up and down the country celebrated their achievements in work-focussed training.

VQ day comes just weeks after the government showed its commitment to vocational qualifications by announcing that, starting this autumn, all 18 year olds without the equivalent of A levels, will be entitled to free training worth around £7,000.

Hazel Blears, MP for Salford, said:
 
“I have long believed that people receiving vocational qualifications deserve more recognition and public celebration than they do currently. I’ve met hundreds of talented people of all ages in Salford doing vocational qualifications locally in schools, colleges and in work.

“Vocational qualifications can be a great route to a good, well paid job. So I’d like to take this opportunity to say well done to everyone who has got their VQ this year.”