John is SW Vocational Learner of the Year

Exeter resident Josh Ellis has been awarded the title of the South West’s 2015 VQ Learner of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding achievement following a vocational qualification in Plumbing at Exeter College.

Josh, 21, won the gold medal at the World Skills competition, with his work deemed ‘near perfect’ by the judges.  Josh has since progressed to a Level 3 Plumbing qualification and become the main installer for his company due to the exceptionally high standard of his work. He is successfully juggling a very high demand for his work with his further studies at college. He has recently won the college’s Apprentice of the Year award in recognition of his hard work.

Josh has beaten strong competition from two other shortlisted learners from the South West, to be named the overall regional winner. Taliya Hussain, 18, excelled at her Childcare, Learning and Development course, undertaking a variety of placements throughout the community in order to challenge herself and widen her experiences. Lee Thorne, 35, from Bridgewater College, was highly commended for the award after overcoming a host of personal struggles to become a Business and Professional Studies Training Officer, supporting other learners and helping them reach their potential.

Josh and 12 other regional winners from around the UK will be invited to an awards ceremony in London on 9th June 2015, where the overall national winner for VQ Learner of the Year, sponsored by OCR, will be announced by garden designer and television personality Diarmuid Gavin at the event.

Josh said: "I'm thrilled to have been named as the South West regional winner of this year's VQ Learner of the Year Award. Completing a vocational qualification has given me the skills and drive to pursue my chosen career and I am delighted that my hard work has been recognised. I would highly recommend vocational learning to others and I hope VQ Day inspires others to explore the wide range of training options and choose a path best suited to their individual skills and interests.”

Held on 10th June 2015, VQ Day is an annual event led by independent education charity, the Edge Foundation. It aims to celebrate the benefits of technical, practical and vocational learning, not only to the individual but also to their communities. From 16-year-olds to those over 60, VQ day supports the acquisition of new skills and encourages the uptake of high quality vocational courses.

David Harbourne, acting CEO of the Edge Foundation, says: “Josh is a great example of how practical, technical and vocational qualifications can be the catalyst for a successful and fulfilling career. We wish him the best of luck ahead of VQ Day and in the future.”

For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Awards, please visit www.vqday.org.uk