VETNET LLN takes a stand in support of vocational learners

The BBC’s news website in the first week in February 2012, carried a banner headline ‘ Bonfire of vocational qualifications’, and they weren’t alone.   VETNET LLN, from its early days, has worked with universities, colleges and learners to improve perception and understanding of vocational courses.     

VETNET LLN supports the findings published in the Wolf Review of Vocational Qualifications – how is it possible to disagree with wishing to improve literacy and numeracy and the readiness of learners for further study or employment?    Professor Wolf was quoted by the BBC as saying “I am very keen on vocational qualifications but they need to be good ones, and ones that employers recognise and value. The most important thing the Government can do is make clear to people which vocational qualifications and which practical and applied qualifications are really valuable.”

Many parents and learners will read the headlines referring to “scrapping qualifications” and worry if they are choosing the “good” ones.    Branding vocational qualifications as inferior isn’t helpful and doesn’t represent an enormous body of good practice.

VETNET LLN   

• continues to support the progression of vocational learners into appropriate veterinary and animal related higher education

• will continue to support vocational learners (and their teachers) in developing skills that enable them to succeed in higher education and employment

• calls for a ‘toning-down’ of the rhetoric in reporting that will discourage and de-motivate vocational learners