Local students from across Merseyside celebrated the inaugural VQ Day on Wednesday 23rd July, by highlighting the achievements of students studying vocational qualifications.

Students were chosen by each of the Merseyside colleges as a VQ Champion. Several took part in two radio interviews and a photo opportunity at the Liverpool Echo Arena to mark the occasion.

VQ Day is the first national event that focuses on the people who gain vocational qualifications (VQs) every year, and the people who help them achieve this success.  The ten colleges across Merseyside, who provide a huge amount of employment-based courses at various levels and subject areas, came together to highlight the achievements of vocational learners in the region and illustrate the fantastic career opportunities that VQs can lead to.

Wirral Met was represented by Bromborough student, Jane Peers.  After a successful period of work experience in the Contracts office at Wirral Metropolitan College, Jane has been offered a three month’s trial with the college. The work experience forms part of the e2e (Entry to Employment) course that Jane undertook at Carlett Park campus. Prior to joining the e2e course Jane achieved a Diploma in Digital Applications for IT (DiDA) and qualifications in First Aid.

Vocational qualifications (VQs) offer a more practical learning programme that relates directly to specific job roles or sectors. Taking a vocational qualification means that you study and gain skills in a particular area. These qualifications follow a course structure and have an emphasis on developing practical skills and knowledge, with assessment by written and practical examinations.

Jane Peers and Sue Baker; Marketing Manager Wirral Met with Super WiFi lambananafon

Electricians & Sparks mates from Wirral Partnership Homes, Birkenhead have all recently passed the 17th Edition exam. This means that overall, candidates from Wirral Partnership Homes have had a pass rate of 100% – all of whom have been first time successes for all Electrical section employees who have taken their 17th Edition training and assessment through Wirral Metropolitan College.

Chris Boynton, Apprentice and Technical Training Manager said, “I think huge congratulations are in order for all of those from the Electrical section from Wirral Partnership Homes who have achieved such successful outcomes as well as for those from Wirral Met College who provided the know how to help steer them through!”.

The 17th Edition Update course leads to a 30 question Multiple-Choice examination, addressing the changes between BS7671:2001 16th Edition and BS7671:2008 17th Edition. Any Candidate who does not have a thorough understanding of the 16th Edition is strongly advised to complete the full 2382 qualification leading to a 60 question multiple-choice covering the entire Regulations (offered at Wirral Metropolitan College on a Wednesday evening).

The Update Course is only applicable to Electrical Operatives who have taken the City & Guilds 2381 (16th Edition Course) within the past five years (since 2002). They must produce their City & Guilds Certificate prior to signing onto the course, as their C&G number on this certificate is used in the enrolment process.

Amanda Newby, Performing Arts Lecturer from Wirral Metropolitan College will be performing with the choir, ‘ The Handbag of Harmonies’,  from Chester, in the national televised BBC competition Last Choir Standing.

Saturday 5th July sees the launch of the show (“The Last Choir Standing) at 7.45p.m. 

The Handbag of Harmonies are through to the last 60 choirs out of about 1,000.  The show is hosted by Myleen Klass and Nick Knowles and the judges are Russell Watson (The Tenor),  Sharon D.Clark (Holby City) and International Conductor and Choral Director, Suzie Digby.

If the Handbag of Harmonies get through to the next round. progress to the final will then be by public vote for the live shows. It is all very exciting, the choir has been to the BBC studios at Shepherd’s Bush to film for the show. The show is filmed in the same studio where the recently televised show to find a “Nancy” for the  show “Oliver” was filmed.

The show has a high profile and is being advertised extensively on T.V. and in the press all this week. The  Musical Director of the Handbag of Harmonies is Matt Baker,  who used to be a part- time lecturer at Wirral  Metropolitan College.  Since leaving Wirral Met Matt has gone on to a very successful career within musical theatre and T.V. and has written the score for the present production of the Mystery Plays which are being performed to sell out audiences at Chester Cathedral (until 19th July).

Visit The Handbag of Harmonies at www.handbagofharmonies.co.uk

Congratulations to Sarah Green, Access to Humanities student, who has been awarded a Dream Achievers Scholarship from John Moore’s University.

Sarah will represent the University as an Ambassador for the next three years.  The bursary is in recognition of Sarah’s voluntary work in the community, including Swimming, Scout Leadership, Life-saving, Duke of Edinburgh coaching and First Aid Training.

Sarah is studying an Outdoor Education with PE course at John Moore’s University and will train as a PE teacher following her Degree course.

Good Luck with your future career Sarah.