Former apprentice Steph McGovern is set to host the UK’s first
Vocational Celebration Day on Thursday 6 August 2026.
The new initiative, powered by the former Sector Skills Council
Enginuity and awarding organisation
EAL, is designed to shine a spotlight on the important contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation's prosperity. This day, set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, 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 is seen as an important milestone in bringing about a seed change in parity of esteem between academic and vocational pathways to work.
Steph, who was an Apprentice Engineer at Black+Decker on Teesside, is set to host the proceedings with a live televised event which will incorporate celebrations from workplaces and colleges across devolved nations and regions. The programme, a special edition of the hit podcast Steph on Skills: Powered by Enginuity, goes live on Thursday 6 August 2026, streamed live on YouTube and social platforms at 10.00 and will be fed to news networks. The programme will feature young learners from across the country, employers, educators and government leaders.
Devised and driven by Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, Vocational Celebration Day aims to raise the status and profile of the thousands of young people who are doing their bit to build a better, more prosperous Britain. Although they operate in the engineering and manufacturing sector, they welcome involvement from the entire skills spectrum.
Host Steph McGovern said: “This is brilliant news and long overdue. Why should academics have all the fun and glory? We have graduation days, A-Level Day, GCSE Day – now Vocational Celebration Day.
"I’ve been banging on for years about the need to celebrate vocational qualifications in the same way we do purely academic success stories. 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.”
Ann Watson MBE, CEO 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.”
Across the United Kingdom, millions of individuals dedicate their careers to vocational pursuits: whether as skilled tradespeople, technicians, carers, culinary professionals, or creative artisans. These roles are the engine of progress, responsible for everything from keeping our lights on and our buildings safe to caring for our loved ones, crafting our cuisine, and driving innovation across sectors.
Vocational Celebration Day calls attention to the inherent value of learning by doing. As the world of work evolves, vocational training ensures that learners are ready to meet tomorrow's challenges, supporting economic growth, reducing skills gaps, and ensuring no talent goes untapped.
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. The flexibility of vocational learning, through apprenticeships, part-time study, and work-based training, ensures that opportunity is within reach for all. This inclusivity is vital for a fair and thriving society.
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. It is also a call to action for all individuals, employers, educators, and communities.