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Introduction

Everyone in FE and skills knows the value of vocational qualifications (VQ), but outside the sector, stereotypes about their being for “not very bright kids” persist.

And this is exactly what VQ Day on June 4, run by the Edge Foundation, aims to change.

Edge chief executive Jan Hodges explains how on page 3.

On page 4, Edge policy and research director David Harbourne promotes careers advice and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock explains how he wants to protect the value of VQs.

That value should be equal to university, Liberal Democrat parliamentary committee chair Gordon Birtwistle says on page 5, where Junior Shadow Education Minister Rushanara Ali describes Labour’s VQ vision.

There’s the Local Enterprise Partnership (Lep) view from Dr Ann Limb, chair of the South East Midlands Lep, and employer view with Federation of Small Businesses’ national chair John Allan on page 6.

National Union of Students’ FE vice president Joe Vinson is on page 7 along with Dr Fiona Aldridge, National Institute of Continuing Adult Education assistant director for development and research.

It’s VQs across Europe on pages 10 and 11, before we look at this year’s VQ Day learner of the year award on pages 12 and 13. Those shortlisted for employer of the year awards are on page 14.

VQ Day is actually more than just one day — and we’ve got a calendar of events on page 15.

Keep up on Twitter via #VQDay, @FEWeek and @ukEdge