Students, employers and training providers have a better perception of vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), according to Ofqual’s second annual perceptions survey.

The survey, carried out during late 2018 and early 2019, covered a range of regulated VTQs available for study in England.

A notable difference between the first and second survey results was that more students indicated they were choosing to take VTQs not just to improve their skills or confidence but because they expected to progress either to higher level qualifications or to get a better job. Some of the other findings from the research include:

Vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs)

• Employers, training providers and students continue to hold very positive views of VTQs regardless of whether the qualifications are pursued within apprenticeships or standalone
• Amongst training providers, levels of agreement that students/parents understand the purpose of VTQs have increased markedly (from 54% to 70%)
• 77% of students said that VTQs prepare them well for the workplace.

Functional skills qualifications (FSQs)

• Employers’ understanding of FSQs has improved between the surveys with levels of knowledge increasing with organisation size
• Larger businesses and training providers are more likely to hold positive perceptions of FSQs
• 78% of students said that they valued FSQs.

Ofqual believes that the Government’s programme for the reform of post-16 vocational qualifications will clarify the landscape and further assist understanding amongst employers and students.