VQ Learner of the Year Award 2010

Legal Executive Mandy Blackwell has received a VQ Learner of the Year Award. Mandy was presented her award by Education minister, Leighton Andrews at the VQ day celebrations in June for demonstrating outstanding achievement and commitment to her vocational studies at Coleg Gwent in Monmouthsire.

This is not the first time Mandy’s achievements and commitment to her work have been highlighted, she won the ILEX South Wales Branch student of the year prize a few years ago and sat on the ILEX South Wales Branch Committee until recently.

As well as awarding Mandy for her legal studies, VQ day celebrated the achievements of students from a variety of backgrounds including childcare, performing arts and engineering. Mandy, from Undy near Usk, was one of 8 finalists short listed and won the learner of the year award in the over 25’s category.

VQ day was launched 2 years ago to celebrate the successes of those taking the Vocational Qualification route to advance their skills and career prospects. Led by Independent Educational Foundation, Edge, the aim of the day was to highlight the benefit of practical and vocational learning across the UK.

Education minister, Leighton Andrews said; “Vocational qualifications are a great way of encouraging the widest range of people to embrace learning, especially those who wouldn't have normally considered carrying on in education”.

The message of the day was that Vocational Qualifications offer an alternative path to career success, giving learners the opportunity to learn practical skills both in college and in the work place that could give them a head start in their chosen career.

Posted 05.07.10