NVQ’s are based on the ability to do particular job, and do not involve any formal examinations.  These abilities are based on standards that have been developed by people in industry. These standards are based on normal work activities and detail what a competent person in a particular occupation would be expected to achieve at a particular level. 

It is not possible to fail an NVQ.  An individual just keeps working at the particular standard until the required competency is acquired.  Each NVQ is divided into units which allow individuals to work at their own pace, within reasonable limits, and to easily transfer between workplaces. 

NVQ’s has been designed to provide training for a very wide range of ages and levels of ability.  Most people working towards an NVQ are at work, but there are many initiatives to start young people working for their NVQ before they embark on full time work. 

NVQ’s are part of the ‘Work Based Training for Adults’, the Government initiative to help unemployed adults and others at a disadvantage in the labour market to secure and sustain employment. 

People returning to work can get accredited for previously acquired skills  and learning.

NVQ’s are available for over 80% of occupations found in the U.K.

They are grouped into eleven different areas:-

• Tending animals, plants and the land,
• Extracting and providing natural resources,
• Construction,
• Engineering,
• Manufacturing,
• Transport,
• Providing goods and services,
• Providing health, social care and protective services,
• Business services,
• Communication,
• Developing and extending knowledge and skills.

Units from different NVQ’s can be mixed and matched to suit individual requirements.

They are assessed through

o        On-the-job observation and training by an assessor

o        Questioning to check performance in a non-standard situation by an assessor

o        Testing underpinning knowledge and understanding by an assessor.

o        A portfolio of evidence collated by the individual to demonstrate competence in the required areas during normal work activities.   This may include any of the following

·         Photographic evidence

·         memos, letters, reports, spreadsheets,

·         sketches, drawings, diagrams, maps, notices,

·         video tapes, audio tapes,

·         minutes of meetings, notes, interviews,

·         witnessed statements, written assignments, signed observations from the assessor, thank you notes

·         models, examples of artefacts produced.

 Each completed element and unit is accepted as valid when it has been signed by an assessor. Those studying in Scotland work towards the SVQ.

For details of the assessment process please see ‘details of assessment process’ For details of the competencies at each level, please see ‘detailed breakdown of levels 1 – 5’.

What can NVQs do for me?

There are many benefits in getting involved with NVQs, both for individuals and employers. They can, for example, help women returning to work, as they can draw on previously acquired skills to reach an NVQ level of competence.

Benefits for Individuals

NVQs can help you prepare for work or help your career development.

NVQs are achieved through the demonstration of skills. Getting an NVQ shows you can do a job to national standards and have the up-to-date skills employers are looking for. In terms of work, a qualification which proves you can do a job competently is a valuable possession.

With NVQs the practice is as important as the theory - they show what you can do as well as what you know. NVQs are therefore much more than courses. You don't have to sit through hours, days, weeks or even years of a course, and there are no exams at the end. NVQs are about putting learning into practice.

This doesn't mean that you can't take courses to achieve an NVQ. Another benefit is that NVQs are flexible - you can do an NVQ as part of your normal job, work towards one at college or through open learning and private study, or a combination of these.

There are virtually no limits with NVQs - no time limits (although an NVQ gained over a period of years, for example, would bring the currency of competence into question), no age limits and no special entry requirements.

Benefits for Employers

Employers play a vital role in deciding the standards for NVQs - so they really meet employers' needs.

NVQs can help you improve productivity and competitiveness. Many major companies use NVQs and find them valuable tools for business and employee development. They report significant benefits in terms of improved employee performance and motivation; lower staff turnover; better staff-supervisor relations; improved staff recruitment and that NVQs give them the opportunity to benchmark standards and provide training which can be more specifically targeted to needs.

NVQs make sure your employees have the skills and knowledge to meet the company's business needs.

But the best people to talk about how NVQs have helped their business are those using them - click here to look at case studies from employers involved with NVQs.
 

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