Vocational qualifications

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 | Updated: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:59 am

The  number of vocational qualifications awarded in the UK has risen by 8% in the last year, according to a survey by education foundation Edge.

The survey said healthcare, retail, business, construction and engineering were the most popular vocational subjects, and the growth in numbers taking up courses is due to the “significant demand” from employers.

Edge said 3.25m vocational qualifications were awarded last year, up 8.3% year-on-year and 117% on five years ago.
Success rates for students taking qualifications had also increased, the survey said.

It also highlighted the disparity between the types of qualifications gained by men and women. While 36% of women took qualifications in health, public services and care, less than 3% achieved engineering qualifications.