Massive increase in vocational awards

More people acquired NVQ and SVQ qualifications in social care and health in 2005 than in any year since 1999, new figures show.

Nearly 130,000 people acquired certificates in 2005, compared with fewer than 100,000 in 2004, research by the Employers’ Organisation for Local Government finds.

More than 200,000 people registered for qualifications in 2005, a similar figure to 2004.