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Changes in vocational qualifications crucial - Empey

3 June 2009

The reformed vocational qualifications system will be more flexible and easier to understand for both employers and learners.

That was the message today from Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, who was speaking to stakeholders at a major vocational qualification reform conference in Belfast.  The Minister also highlighted that the reform will provide learners with qualifications that are more valuable and relevant in today’s workplace.

The conference is part of the UK-wide vocational qualifications (VQs) reform programme, which aims to change the ways in which VQs are developed and delivered.  Employers will be able to specify the skills that they need, and their sector skills councils will develop and approve VQs in partnership with recognised awarding bodies.  

Sir Reg places employers at the very heart of the reform system.  Speaking at the conference he said: “Specifying the skills employers want, and using that to drive the development of qualifications, will enable the Northern Ireland labour market to function more effectively.

“My message to employers is clear - if you are to be successful in the future, you must continue to develop the skills of your employees.  It is the aim of the vocational qualifications reform programme to help you to do this in the most effective way possible.  You have an opportunity today to shape the reform programme and I urge you to take it up.”

The new qualifications will be placed on the qualifications and credit framework in bite-size ‘units’ that can be combined to form full qualifications.  This flexible approach will enable learners to plan their pathway through learning in the way that best suits their particular situation.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The NI Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (VQRP) is part of a major cross-UK programme of reform of the vocational qualification system.  It has been in operation since late 2005 and is now firmly into the implementation phase.  The broad aim of the programme is to increase the relevance, value and flexibility of VQs by involving employers in the development and planning process, and through the establishment of a credit-based qualifications system which comprises a rationalised set of VQs.
  2. The programme specifically aims to:
    *Create a system for VQs based on learners’ and employers’ needs.
    *Make the system clearer, with more flexibility and choice for learners and    employers.
    *Develop a more skilled and productive workforce.
    *Enable individuals to fulfil their potential.
    *Support greater social justice and opportunity.
  3. In Northern Ireland, the programme is overseen by a VQRP board, which comprises a broad range of key stakeholders with a role to play in implementing the reforms.  The focus of the programme here is on ensuring that key stakeholders are fully aware of their role within the reformed system, and ensuring that the necessary physical infrastructure is in place to support the reforms.  A programme of awareness-raising and capacity-building is being implemented, of which the VQRP conference is the most prestigious and ambitious event to date.
  4. All media enquiries to Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on telephone 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.