Vocational qualifications deserve the same accolades and level of recognition that academic qualifications receive. There are GCSE and A-Level results days and now a day to celebrate VQs: VQ Day!
Vocational qualifications have never been more important to the economy and the individual; they deliver the trained, talented employees businesses are crying out for and ensure young people have the skills needed to succeed in education and work.
The government is investing in vocational routes acknowledging their value, and hospitality organisations are leading the way in recognising how high quality VQs can enhance life and work chances. Both Greene King and River Cottage received high recognition for their initiatives and efforts in the VQ Awards.
Employer of the Year 2015 – England: Greene King
Greene King established its apprenticeship programme in 2011 as part of its strategy to invest in both existing employees and newcomers to the business. In this time, over 3,000 employees have achieved nationally recognised qualifications, with 2,000 more expected to complete their qualifications within the next 12 months.
Since introducing the programme, Greene King has seen a positive increase in staff retention, reduced recruitment costs, increased productivity and, most importantly, enhanced customer experience.
England SME: River Cottage
Recognising the immense value of staff investment, River Cottage has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to upskilling its workforce through vocational qualifications, helping to plug the industry’s skills gap.
River Cottage’s vision goes beyond that of its own business interests and, working closely with Exeter and Devon’s Employment and Skills Board, it is looking to create a World Class Workforce in the region. This includes promoting cross-sector vocational qualifications and creating a ‘shared apprenticeship’ scheme to encourage vocational qualifications within a number of esteemed local businesses.
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