Types of Qualifications
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are nationally designed training programmes for young people aged between 16 and 24. There are two levels: the Apprenticeship and the Advanced Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship consist of an NVQ and three Key Skills (Application of Number, Communication and IT).
What is the QCF?
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a unitised qualification framework underpinned by a system of credit accumulation and transfer. Every unit on the framework will have a level and a credit value which is based on the notional learning hours for that specific unit (for further information see the section: What is credit?). The QCF is designed to allow learners to achieve credit for individual units or qualifications, providing learners with the opportunity to accumulate credit at their own pace and use it to claim for a qualification when they are ready.Qualifications within the QCF
There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF: - Awards (1-12 credits) - Certificates (13-36 credits) - Diplomas (37 credits or more) It is possible to have all three of these qualifications at each level, for example, Level 1 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Business Skills. This is because the classification of the qualification as an Award, Certificate or Diploma refers to the size of the qualification, not the level of difficulty. Each qualification title will contain the level of qualification (eg Entry 2), the size (award/certificate/diploma) and details indicating the content of qualification. For example: - EDI Level 2 Award in Business Skills - EDI Level 1 Certificate in IT Users (ITQ)What is credit?
Every unit and qualification on the QCF has been given a credit value, which denotes the number of credits that will be awarded to each candidate who successfully completes the unit or qualification. - 1 credit represents 10 notional learning hours Notional learning hours represent the amount of time a learner is expected to take, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard required within the assessment criteria. It is important to note that notional learning hours are not the same as guided learning hours (GLH). GLH represent the hours during which a tutor or trainer is present and contributing to the learning process. Notional learning hours represent the hours which are needed to successfully cover all the learning required to achieve the unit, either guided or independently.
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
NVQ’s are developed from National Occupational Standards that are based on typical job responsibilities within an industry. Each standard is an individual unit of competence. The unit describes an area of an individual's job role and the industry standard that is required. Assessment is based on learners compiling a portfolio of evidence.
Vocationally Related Qualification VRQ
VRQs (sometimes known as technical courses) are more knowledge than competence-based qualifications. As such they are taught courses of study usually a 1 to 5 days. Assessment tends to be by examination.
Levels of Qualifications
Level 1 - aimed at those new to the workplace who require a simple overview of a subject, before starting work or as part of an induction programme. For example, school leavers taking their first job or new immigrants with limited language skills.
Level 2 - aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area (equating to the present foundation or ‘basic’ qualification). Examples are shop floor employees, front line staff employees in production or services.
A Level 2 NVQ is equvialent to 5 GCSE's grade A to C
Level 3 - aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area and who also have a related supervisory role (equating to the present intermediate qualification). Examples are team leaders, supervisors and junior managers.
A Level 3 NVQ is equivalent to 2 A Levels
We deliver qualifications that are both accredited (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)) and regulated by an awarding body.