EAL and Enginuity launch Vocational Celebration Day in the UK

Enginuity is proud to announce an annual Vocational Celebration Day, a new initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the important contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation's prosperity.

Led in collaboration between Enginuity and specialist awarding organisation and end-point assessment organisation EAL, Vocational Celebration Day aims to raise the status and profile of the thousands of young people who are driving innovation across sectors.

Set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, the celebration day honours those whose passion, expertise, and dedication in vocational fields form the backbone of the UK’s economy and society.

The first Vocational Celebration Day will be held on Thursday, 6 August 2026.

Although Enginuity and EAL specialise in supporting the engineering and manufacturing sector, we welcome involvement from the entire skills spectrum.

The official announcement was made by broadcaster and skills champion Steph McGovern, during a Steph on Skills: Powered by Enginuity podcast episode aired on Thursday, 7 August 2025.

Steph commented: “This is brilliant news and long overdue. I’ve been banging on for years about the need to celebrate vocational qualifications in the same way we do purely academic success stories like graduation day, A-Level results and the like.

“Let’s face it, vocational learners are the lifeblood of our country and yet have been left in the shadows. We want to make sure that this changes and these brilliant people get to celebrate in style.”

The importance of learning by doing

In the UK, vocational courses equip individuals not only with specialised technical abilities but also with transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. These qualities are indispensable in a rapidly changing workplace where flexibility and innovation are prized.

One of the defining strengths of vocational education in the UK is its inclusivity and social mobility. Vocational routes offer accessible pathways for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. From school leavers and career changers to those upskilling later in life, vocational training welcomes everyone with the ambition to learn and the desire to make a difference.

Ann Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Enginuity, said: “This is our gift to the entire skills and vocational community. Congratulations to all those qualifying this year, this is a major achievement for those pursuing vocational careers.

“Take a bow, enjoy your moment in the spotlight and celebrate in the knowledge that you are well on the way to securing a rewarding career, that will be of benefit to you, your family and the country as a whole.”

Alison Parkes, Managing Director of EAL, added: “EAL is delighted to be onboard with such a worthwhile, and sorely needed initiative. As a leading awarding organisation, we work tirelessly to support learners, business and all forms of educators, to ensure that the skills pipeline is brimming with people that are capable to excel in the workplace.

“Those following vocational pathways to work are now going to get the recognition that they deserve.”

How to get involved

Vocational Celebration Day is a call to action for all individuals, employers, educators, and communities. Here is how to get involved:

• Employers can host open days, offer work experience opportunities, and share success stories of their workforce.
• Schools, colleges and training providers are encouraged to organise workshops and events that showcase vocational pathways and the talents of their students.
• Individuals can participate by sharing their vocational journey on social media using #VocationalCelebrationDay and #CelebrateVocational

Behind every skilled professional is a story of ambition, determination, and achievement. Vocational Celebration Day highlights the journeys of individuals who have transformed their lives, and the lives of those around them, through vocational learning.

To learn more about Vocational Celebration Day, listen to our special launch edition podcast or download our supporters' pack by visiting the landing page below.

Discover Vocational Celebration Day