WALES

VQ Learner of the Year Award

The VQ Learner of Year Award recognises learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies – learners who have made considerable achievements in their field.

A VQ Learner of the Year is sought for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as each of the nine English regions: North East, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Yorkshire and Humber.

Deadlines

Nominations for the VQ Learner of the Year awards must be received by Friday 1 May 2015. Finalists for Wales will be informed by Monday 25 May 2015.

Eligibility:

VQ Learner of the Year Award nominees must:

  • Have completed a vocational qualification between 1 May 2008 and 30 April 2015.

A vocational qualification is defined as a regulated qualification at any level relating to a particular line of work or specific job role. These qualifications have an emphasis on the assessment of practical skills and knowledge. Examples include BTECs, City & Guilds, NVQ/SVQ, OCR Nationals, Apprenticeships, HNC/HNDs, degrees with a largely vocational content and professional qualifications awarded through a recognised professional body.

  • Demonstrate outstanding achievements, rather than merely confirmation that they gained a vocational qualification.
  • Present evidence to show that they have used their qualification to achieve success and stand out from their peers.
  • Have completed their qualification at a registered provider in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
  • Have a nominator and a supporting referee.

A supporting reference is required from a second party in addition to a statement from the nominator. This should be someone from a different organisation, for example a former/current learning provider, employer or voluntary organisation; or someone from another department who can offer a different perspective, for example entrepreneurial or extra curricular activities.

Important notes for VQ Learner of the Year Awards 2015, Wales:

-There is no age restriction. There is one category only: Wales VQ Learner of the Year

-Organisations/companies may submit multiple nominations but only one nomination is permitted per vocational sector per organisation/company (e.g. catering, accountancy, engineering, fashion)

-Each nomination should be completed by a nominator AND INCLUDE a supportive statement from a referee

-Each finalist will be filmed IN ADVANCE of the VQ Award Ceremony. This will be arranged and completed as soon as possible after 25 May. Nominators should ensure that they have their nominees’ contact details.

-Finalists will be required to take part in publicity opportunities around VQ Day, including photocalls on the day

The winner and finalists will be selected from all nominations using the selection criteria, and all finalists will be invited to attend the VQ awards ceremony in Cardiff (exact location tbc) on Tuesday evening 9 June 2015 where the Wales VQ Learner of the Year 2015 will be announced.

Judging criteria:

Aselection panel drawn from the VQ Day steering group in Wales will choose the Wales VQ Learner of the Year 2015. Nominations will be judged on the evidence presented, against the following criteria:

  • Achievement andexcellence in their chosen field – how highly have they achieved, what evidence can you show that this learner is truly excellent?
  • Evidence that their qualification and learning experience has directly influenced their progression – how have they used their knowledge to achieve success?
  • Evidence that their achievements are superior to those of their peers – how have they gone above and beyond what is expected and set themselves apart from the crowd?

Nomination process:

Please complete the form below and email your application to

The nominator and supporting refereeshould outline in no more than 250 words each why the nominee should be named this year’s VQ Learner of the Year, based on the above judging criteria.

VQ Learner of the Year Award Nomination Form

Applications must be received no later than 1 May 2015. Late applications will not be accepted. Email entries or any queries to:

NATION / Wales
NAME OF NOMINEE (the learner)
NOMINEE’S EMAIL ADDRESS
NOMINEE’S TELEPHONE NUMBER
QUALIFICATION(S) and GRADE(S) ACHIEVED
LEARNING PROVIDER

Nominator (you)

NAME
JOB TITLE
NAME AND ADDRESS OF YOUR INSTITUTION/ ORGANISATION
TELEPHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS

Supporting Referee

NAME
JOB TITLE
ORGANISATION NAME & ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS
*Please note that if your nomination isshortlisted, you will need to have access to your nominee’s contact details and be able to supply them to us.
All Wales finalists must be available to:
  • be filmed in the workplace or place of learning at a time to be arranged at the end of May 2015 AND
  • attend the VQ Award Ceremony on Tuesday evening 9 June 2015 in Cardiff and participate in publicity around VQ Day, including photo calls.
In order to be entered for the Awards, the information you provide in this form will be processed by the VQ Day Steering Group, Wales, which is comprised of: ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW), and the Welsh Government. The VQ Day Steering Group may use it to contact you for further information in relation to your entry and may also contact you for future research or publicity purposes.
Tick the box to confirm your nomineeagrees to these criteria.□
Nominator
Please tell us in no more than 250 words why your nominee deserves to be named as a VQ Learner of the Year. Your statement should address the Judging Criteria.
CLICK_THE_GREY_BOX_AND_TYPE
Supporting Referee
Please tell us, in no more than 250 words, why you agree that the nominee deserves to be named as a VQ Learner of the Year.
CLICK_THE_GREY_BOX_AND_TYPE