Blackpool and The Fylde College was amongst the chosen few to demonstrate their considerable vocational skills at this year’s annual VQ Day event in London.

VQ day, the annual nationwide celebration of vocational qualifications, saw colleges and learning providers from across the nation celebrating their creativity and expertise in front of an audience of influential MPs and entertainment icon Arlene Phillips OBE.

Beating off stiff competition from around the country to appear at the event, which showcases the country’s finest vocational achievements, first and second year students from the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre performed four songs for the assembled audience.

Since forming just last year under the leadership of choir master David Scott-Thomas, the College’s choir have achieved regional success, appearing on BBC Children in Need across the North West. They also performed at the high profile unveiling of the College’s University Centre to huge acclaim.

The event coincided with the announcement that a record 4 million vocational qualifications were awarded last year. This year’s celebrations at the illustrious Royal Horticultural Halls in London are part of the biggest ever celebration of vocational achievement in the UK.

Pauline Waterhouse OBE, principal of Blackpool and The Fylde College comments:

“It’s a tremendous honour for our wonderful choir to be selected to perform at VQ Day. We are one of the largest college providers of vocational qualifications in the country and to be able to share just one small part of what we offer at this event was a fantastic opportunity. The choir had a thoroughly enjoyable day. ”

VQ Day is an initiative from independent education foundation Edge and aims to recognise the success of these millions of vocational learners across the country.

Events took place at colleges and learning providers across the UK, and VQ Day ambassador and entertainment icon, Arlene Phillips, commented:

“VQ Day is a chance to celebrate the millions of people who have achieved vocational success and I am honoured to be a part of this. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the huge variety of qualifications available and the many paths that are open to achieving your dream career. When I was growing up all I wanted to be was a dancer and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the success I have gained without my vocational qualification.”

Peter Mitchell, Education Director at Edge, commented:

“There have been over 100 events across the country celebrating VQ Day all showing the wealth of vocational talent that our country has to offer and the many paths to success available. This year has been the UK’s third annual VQ Day and it great to remind people that vocational qualifications give people the knowledge and experience they need to achieve their dreams.”

VQ Day is being sponsored by Edexcel, City & Guilds, Ofqual, AAT and EDI and is supported by the wider education community.