THE EDGE Foundation is joining forces with The Skills Show to help Mid Devon students understand more about vocational qualifications and get the edge for their future careers.

Up to £500 will be available for education providers to stage a ‘Have a Go’ activity.

These are hands-on ‘bite-size’ tasters of a skill which give an introduction to possible careers that students might not have previously considered.

Schools, colleges and learning providers across Mid Devonare being urged to hold events on and around VQ Day – which is taking place on 4th June. This annual event is a celebration of practical and vocational achievements, made by learners of all ages.

These events can be staged within your school or college, or as part of The Skills Show local programme, which are taking place across the UK. You can find your nearest event at www.theskillsshow.com/events-near-you/.

For the two best ‘Have a Go’ activities, we are offering up to £4000 for the school/college/learning provider to come along to The Skills Show in November and repeat the activity here, for thousands of young visitors. Just follow the guidance notes you can find at www.vqday.org.uk/get-involved letting us know about your plans.

Jan Hodges, CEO of the Edge Foundation: “VQ Day is about celebrating learning by doing and there is no better way to see this in practice than within the colleges, schools and learning providers that champion it.

“We understand the importance of supporting educational organisations to help students get the edge, which is why we are working with The Skills Show to provide this funding. Staging a ‘Have a Go’ will help people take part in a day that celebrates individual achievements, and the wider benefits they bring to society and business.”

The Skills Show inspires young people about vocational education, skills and careers through a series of interactive events.

The main event takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 13th-15th November and last year more than 80,000 young people attended to be inspired by opportunities available to them in further education, skills and Apprenticeships. The Edge Foundation is a premier sponsor alongside City & Guilds and Premier Colleges.

The deadline for submissions for the VQ awards is 2nd May, 2014. To find out more information and how to enter, visit: www.vqday.org.uk/vq-awards