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Vocational Qualifications (VQs)
Vocational qualifications are practical learning programmes that relate directly to specific job sectors or job roles. VQs help you develop the practical skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.
If you are entering the world of work at 16 or 18 it is important that you look for jobs with training as this will offer you more progression opportunities, allowing you to earn more money in the future. If you want to learn more about a particular job or area of work, there are many vocational qualifications to choose from, such as a VRQ, NVQ, BTEC or City and Guilds qualifications.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
An NVQ is type of VQ that is usually studied on the job or as part of an Apprenticeship as it includes an assessment at work. Some NVQ units and technical knowledge certificates can be covered within full-time courses. These qualifications are valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have the high-quality skills required for work within that field. There are no age limits or entry requirements but you would normally agree with your assessor which level to work towards by:
- identifying what you can do already
- analysing what you need to learn
- choosing and agreeing activities that would allow you to learn what is required
How are NVQs assessed?
NVQs are usually assessed by on-the-job observations and questioning. To complete your assessment you need to evidence that you can meet the NVQ standards. Your assessor usually signs off units when they are satisfied that you have completed, and can evidence, all elements of each unit. Your assessor will test your knowledge, understanding and work-based performances.
Qualifications Credit Framework
Vocational and work-related qualifications are changing so that they are simple to understand, more accessible and more relevant to the needs of employers and learners. Part of this reform is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications called the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
Each qualification is made up of a number of units, with each unit having a credit value indicating how long the unit takes to complete. A credit takes around 10 hours work so a credit value of 4 indicates 40 hours work. There are 9 levels, from Entry level to level 8, indicating how difficult the qualification is. Level 3 is equivalent to A level. There are 3 sizes of qualification indicating how long they take to complete: Award is 1-12 credits; Certificate is 13-16 credits; Diploma is 37+ credits.
A full qualification is built up by you achieving units at your own pace. This means you can move from education to employment or from one job to another without having to study anything they already know.
The title of every qualification on the QCF contains the following information:
- the level
- the size
- what the qualification is about
e.g. level 4 Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure or a level 1 Certificate in Buying and Merchandising for Fashion Retail.
NVQs and BTECs are changing so they can be placed on the QCF although many will continue to include NVQ in their title.You can find out more about how the new QCF framework works from this interactive animation.
Help lines
- Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19, Text 07766 4 13 2 19, Textphone 08000 968 336
Useful Websites
Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency
Provides information on the QCF.
City and Guilds
City and Guilds create relevant qualifications that help learners gain the skills employer’s value.
Directgov - Qualifications
Information on the different qualifications available.
Last updated: 13/10/10
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