Show your support for vocational skills: Nominate a hero and join the celebration

As momentum builds ahead of the first ever Vocational Celebration Day, EAL is proud to launch a call for nominations as part of our Celebrating a Vocational Hero campaign, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary tutors, trainers, and mentors who make vocational pathways possible.

Earlier this year, Enginuity and EAL announced Vocational Celebration Day, a new initiative taking place on 6 August 2026 to champion the value, impact, and future of vocational learning. The day will recognise the people, pathways, and partnerships that underpin the UK’s technical workforce.

Championing the skills the UK needs

For too long, vocational learning has been overlooked. Yet today, the demand for skilled, work-ready individuals has never been greater. Across engineering, manufacturing, digital design, hospitality, and countless other sectors, vocational learners are stepping forward to build the future, and they are supported every day by dedicated educators who often work quietly behind the scenes.

EAL’s Celebrating a Vocational Hero campaign aims to shine a light on these extraordinary individuals. Vocational tutors are more than teachers; they are mentors, innovators, role models, and constant sources of encouragement for learners who may be taking their first steps toward a technical career.

Why Vocational Celebration Day matters

Vocational Celebration Day is a new national day dedicated to celebrating vocational education and the people, organisations, and employers who make skills-based careers possible. The day challenges outdated perceptions by showing that hands-on, technical, work-ready skills are essential to the UK’s future.

It recognises the contributions of learners and professionals across engineering, manufacturing, care, hospitality, construction, and more. By promoting accessible and flexible vocational pathways, the day supports social mobility, a diverse workforce, and inspires future generations to value technical education, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning. Whether through workshops, open days, or online stories, everyone can take part in shining a spotlight on vocational achievements.

Recognising vocational heroes

We want to honour the FE and training professionals who:

• Open life-changing vocational pathways
• Go above and beyond to deliver outstanding training
• Support learners facing personal or academic challenges
• Inspire confidence, resilience, and passion for hands-on skills

These heroes rarely seek recognition, but their impact is felt in every workshop, classroom, and learner success story. Nominees will have the opportunity to have their story featured on our website and to take part in the first  Vocational Celebration Day in August 2026.

Nominate a vocational hero

As we build towards Vocational Celebration Day 2026, EAL invites learners, colleagues, employers, and educators to nominate someone who deserves to be celebrated.

Whether it’s a tutor who transformed a learner’s confidence, a trainer who consistently goes the extra mile, or an educator who inspires the next generation of engineers and technical professionals, we want to hear their story.

Nominate a vocational hero today Take part in Vocational Celebration Day