According to research by Edge, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of recent graduates have already chosen to take a vocational qualification in addition to their university degree, and a further 17 per cent are considering doing so.

The results also show that while three quarters of graduates (76 per cent) believed a degree was necessary for their chosen career, 30 per cent now feel let down by their course for inadequately preparing them for the world of work. Recognising their lack of work-readiness, nearly half the graduates questioned (48 per cent) said they wish employers had been more involved in their course.

The research, released in advance of VQ Day, the national celebration of vocational achievement, also found that nearly two-thirds (65%) believe it is a good idea for current university students to study for a vocational qualification in addition to their degree courses.

Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, said: “Graduates are topping up their degrees with vocational qualifications because the current system is failing to provide the skills and training that graduates need and employers so desperately want. There are many paths to success and it’s time that practical training is incorporated into the curriculum at a much earlier stage to ensure young people are enter the working world with the skills they require.

“In the current climate, it’s more important than ever that vocational qualifications get the recognition they deserve, to remove once and for all the outdated notion that academic courses are the only way for young people to achieve their aspirations. We are calling on people across the UK to support VQ Day on 24th June 2009, the only official celebration of vocational qualifications.”

For more information about VQ Day, please visit www.vqday.org

Notes to editors

Research was carried out by PCP. Total sample size was 502 UK graduates aged 25 and under who graduated with a first degree in the past three years. Fieldwork was undertaken from 6th – 15th May 2009. The survey was carried out online.

About VQ Day - 24 June 2009

Millions of people will gain a vocational qualification this year that will be the stepping stone to a brighter future. VQ Day celebrates this achievement and the many paths to success taken by learners of all ages.

Plans for VQ Day are being led by Edge, the education foundation, in conjunction with the vocational qualifications community including: the Association of Colleges (AoC), the Association of Learning Providers (ALP), Association of Scotland’s Colleges, Alliance Sector Skills Scotland, City & Guilds, Department for Employment and Learning (DELNI), Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (DBIS), Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, Edexcel, EDI, the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB), the FE Reputation Strategy Group (FERSG), fforwm, the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), Learning and Skills Council (LSC), National Training Federation for Wales, Ofqual, Ofqual Northern Ireland, OCR, Scottish Government, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Scottish Training Federation (STF), Skills Development Scotland, Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA), and the Welsh Assembly Government among others.

VQ Day 2009 was launched at a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons on 4 March and the Day itself will take place nationwide on 24 June 2009. A national celebration event will be held in London to showcase the diversity of vocational success, accompanied by a report examining the vocational qualifications landscape in the country. Local and regional events will also be staged to ensure that VQ Day helps raise the profile, and communicate the value, of vocational qualifications to future students, potential employers and the wider public.

A roll call of vocational success has been established online, with all learners past and present invited to add their name to the list of people across the UK who have gained a vocational qualification. In addition, two national 'VQ Heroes' will be recognised on VQ Day, selected from regional winners across the country. To find out more, please visit www.vqday.org