The 23rd July 2008 was a landmark day for vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom. As a nation, the UK depends on the people who gain a vocational qualification every year.

For the first time, the success of the millions of people who gain qualifications every year was celebrated ''VQ Day''. From accountants to zoo keepers, millions of people have worked hard to achieve the qualifications they need for success. VQ Day is their richly deserved moment in the spotlight.

To mark this occasion, Edge commissioned the first annual review of vocational qualifications ever to be published in the UK. This report explores the vocational qualifications landscape in the UK today, provides the raw numbers of qualifications gained, explores who is gaining them, and discusses the role vocational qualifications play in the UK economy. Edge is pledging to continue this review for the foreseeable future.

The findings are exciting. Over three and a quarter million vocational qualifications were awarded last year, a rise of 8.3 per cent on the previous year and a 117 per cent increase on five years ago. This growth has been coupled with rising completion rates and a doubling in the number of schools offering vocational qualifications.

The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (UKVQRP) was established by the Skills Minister, Phil Hope in November 2005. It is a UK-wide programme including key partners in England , Wales and Northern Ireland , with Scotland as an observer. The programme is chaired and managed by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).

The UKVQRP consists of six interdependent sub programmes (all with a remit covering at least England , Wales and Northern Ireland ).

• Sub-Programme 1 - Sector Qualification Reform
• Sub-Programme 2 - Framework Development
• Sub-Programme 3 - Planning, Funding & Delivery of Provision for Learners
• Sub-Programme 4 - Preparatory Rationalisation of Existing Qualifications
• Sub-Programme 5 - Communications
• Sub-Programme 6 - Research and Evaluation