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National Vocational Qualifications

What are they?

NVQs are qualifications specifically offered for people at work – providing them with the opportunity to improve their skills and demonstrate their competence in the workplace.

Why this route?

National Vocational Qualifications provide individuals with the necessary framework for their future learning and progression, and are –

  • nationally recognised qualifications which are aimed at improving the skills of the workforce
  • competence based
  • linked to the national standards that industry/service demands
  • recognised by employers, and professional bodies as proof of the skills and ability needed in order to carry out tasks in a particular vocational area

Who are they for?

Anyone who is currently employed in an administrative capacity can take an NVQ in Administration. There are no entry requirements and no time limits. In order to achieve the qualification, a candidate must be able to provide evidence to prove that they have the ability and skills to perform their particular job to the required level/standard.

Characteristics of NVQs

  • primarily work-based qualifications
  • the process is flexible
  • available in most occupational sectors
  • nationally recognised qualifications
  • programmes can be tailored to meet individual/company needs

What are the benefits to the organisation?

NVQs help to ensure that staff are performing to nationally agreed and recognised standards that can be applied to the specific requirements of their job.

NVQs:

  • provide a way to accredit staff who do not have formal qualifications; help to motivate and retain staff
  • a commitment to developing people is demonstrated – essential when the organisation is committed to a quality standard; they can be embedded into quality programme (IIP)
  • cost effective
  • delivery and assessment can be carried out in the workplace on a flexible basis

What are the benefits to the employee?

A nationally recognised qualification can be gained on the job, without the need to attend a training course.There is no age or time limit; by demonstrating you have the required skills and knowledge to carry out your job effectively you can work for a qualification at any point in your career.

NVQs:

  • are a transferable qualification and recognised and accepted by employers throughout the UK
  • programme is followed at a pace to suit individual needs; NVQs are flexible qualifications and fit in with your needs, work schedule and career path
  • can provide a progession route to higher level qualifications

How are they achieved?

NVQs are flexible and accessible to more people as it is not necessary to follow a particular training programme. To gain an NVQ, candidates must prove competence of their abilities from their work activities. Evidence is assessed in the workplace by a qualified assessor who has the same vocational background as the candidate ie Administration.

Assessment includes:

  • observation of the candidate in the workplace
  • examination of work products produced by the candidate
  • testimonies from people with whom the candidate works
  • discussion with the candidate

What are the different levels?

  • Level 1
    • Competence which involves the application of knowledge in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine and predictable.
  • Level 2
    • Competence which involves the application of knowledge in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.
  • Level 3
    • Competences which involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required.
  • Level 4
    • Competence which involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present.
  • Level 5
    • Competence which involves the application of a range of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.