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).
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.