Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Earlier today, I sponsored a launch event for the 2019 vocational qualification awards. The awards are now in their twelfth consecutive year, and their aim is to raise the status of technical, practical and vocational learning. Indeed, their purpose is to ensure that we regard vocational qualifications as an aspirational yet attainable route for all, and that we consider them to be equal to other educational routes. In this, they chime closely with the Welsh Government's aim, as stated in 'Prosperity for All', to make sure that there are no artificial barriers between vocational and academic qualifications.

It is good to see the Welsh Government are one of the organisers of the awards, along with ColegauCymru, the National Training Federation for Wales, Qualifications Wales and the Education Workforce Council. Today marks the start of the nomination process for this year's awards. There will be winners across four categories—intermediate learner, higher learner, employer, and trainer. The process will culminate in VQ day—a celebration of vocational qualifications, which will take place on 15 May. Whilst recognising outstanding achievements, in their very existence VQ awards and VQ day mark the benefits of an area of our education system that does not always get the attentions it should, but one that is crucial to ensuring learners, employers and our economy more widely have the skills needed for future prosperity. So, congratulations to last year's winners, and good luck to the 2019 entrants.