Vocational qualifications are key to a better career Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 16:36

NIACE lent its support to VQ Day on 22 June, by highlighting the role that vocational qualifications have played in helping more adults to get the job and career they want through learning and training.

Anthony Palmer, aged 22, from March in Cambridgeshire, overcame serious illness to complete his Apprenticeship training ahead of target, obtaining distinctions throughout his BTEC qualifications. He was this year's Apprentice of the Year 2011 for Adult Learners' Week, an award which was sponsored by Pearson.

Anthony started his training with employer Stainless Metalcraft and the College of West Anglia in September 2007, having achieved seven GCSEs. But in the second year of his Apprenticeship, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. After some time off, he returned to work and training with renewed enthusiasm and focus.

He achieved an NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations level 2, BTEC First Certificate in Engineering level 2, Employment Responsibilities and Rights, and BTEC Apprenticeship in Engineering Full Award. He went on to achieve an NVQ in Fabrication and Welding level 3, BTEC National Award in Engineering level 3 and BTEC Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Full Award. 

Anthony said:

"I was content to just stroll through my Apprenticeship and not really care, but...in February 2008 I was diagnosed with cancer. I admit I was scared, I thought I was going to die. I had a week off work which gave me a lot of time to think about everything that had gone on. It made me appreciate how lucky I had been. Since then I have not looked back and I have enjoyed every day. I wake up wanting to come to work and learn new things."

"This is just the beginning, I want to carry on learning more about the engineering industry, and to learn new skills and gain additional qualifications to achieve my full potential. You only get one chance at life, so I don't intend to waste it."

Another Adult Learners' Week award winner, Emma Booth, aged 32, from Huddersfield, did not let redundancy stop her from pursuing her ideal career and is now an Installations Electrician. Having always worked in administration, Emma was keen to get away from this female stereotype, so when she was made redundant from her role, she asked her employer, Kirklees Council, if they'd help her retrain as an electrician. They agreed and she began a four-year Apprentice Electrician course, studying NVQ level 3 and Electrotech level 3 courses with Bradford College.

Although the course she enrolled for was for four years, Emma completed the course in just two and a half years last February. Emma is now an ambassador for her employer and visits young people in the community, giving talks to help them realise their own potential.

Emma said:

"To reach for aspirations takes hard work and determination; however, anything is achievable and it can also be lots of fun."

Kirstie Worswick, aged 20, from Hadfield in Glossop, has overcome prejudice to learn about and succeed in the male-dominated field of vehicle body and paint operations. Her learning achievements also led to an Adult Learners' Week award.

In 2007 Kirstie began studying courses in vehicle body and paint operations, achieving up to level 3 in record time. She then obtained a job doing vehicle paint repair work and enrolled with Derbyshire County Council's Adult Community Education Service to study City & Guilds Welding courses one day a week, progressing from level 1 to level 3 in just 16 months.

On completion, education-hungry Kirstie joined University of Derby at Buxton College and gained ABC level 2 Welding, as well as a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector qualification. She completed ABC level 3 Welding in February 2011 and aims to complete the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector during 2011, allowing her to teach welding at Buxton College.

Kirstie's skills were acknowledged when she was awarded first place in the Automotive Custom Paint Competition in 2008 and her commitment to learning means she now has a career she enjoys.

Kirstie said:

"My life has been greatly influenced by my training because my body work and paint operation training has really helped me excel in my job and earn a better wage. I have been able to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to."

Lydia Wall, aged 41, from Crouch End in London, has managed to overcome homelessness and start her own business after a return to learning revealed her talent for hat-making. She won the first Learning Through Craft Award for this year's Adult Learners' Week.

Lydia began attending a Millinery class in 2007 at London's Skylight Centre - run by homeless charity Crisis - and showed a natural flair for hat-making, despite also having to deal with being homeless. She gained confidence from the course and produced an impressive portfolio of hats, which helped her to gain a sought-after place at Kensington and Chelsea College to study HNC Millinery in 2008. 

A year later, Lydia achieved the HNC and continued to attend classes at Crisis, inspiring class members to aim higher. Her qualification then helped her gain a year's work at Philip Tracey Millinery and in April 2011, she started her own millinery business. Lydia now has her own home and studio space at Bow Art Trust in London, allowing her to develop her business.

"The education I completed opened new horizons for me and I am very excited and happy that I am doing something that I love."