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What are NVQ/QCF qualifications?
NVQ’s (which have been replaced by the new QCF qualifications - see below) or National Vocational Qualifications are work-related, competence-based qualifications introduced to train people in the workplace. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ represents.
Millions of learners in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.
NVQ courses have been have been so popular that the Government have been forced to substantially reduce funding for employers under the 'Train to Gain' scheme for resident workers.
NVQ’s/QCF qualifications are based on 'national occupational standards' laid down by the Government body ENTO. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.
Within reason, NVQ’s do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.
How are NVQ’s achieved?
NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.
Majestic College is an OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre which has helped hundreds of students gain vocational qualifications.
OCR QCF migration guide
How the changes will affect you?
The guide below lists OCR's existing vocational qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and shows the planned QCF qualifications that will replace them from September 2010 onwards.
OCR will be working with the Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs), and the Learning and Skills Council (Skills Funding Agency post 1st April 2010) to ensure that you receive the most up-to-date information of how this transition will impact on you and your learners.
The guide will be updated on a regular basis with any developments as and when they take place, which will help with curriculum planning.
Awarding body OCR has published information on the new QCF qualifications on their website.
By September 2010 the phased implementation of the QCF will have been completed, which impacts on all vocational provision, at every level and in every sector.
The timetable for qualification development is heavily dependent upon the introduction and implementation of the SSC's and SSB's Sector Qualifications Strategies (SQSs), action plans, and any required updates to National Occupational Standards (NOS). Timely delivery of these plans by SSCs and SSBs is required to ensure sufficient time for OCR to develop QCF qualifications.
The new QCF qualifications are similar in many ways to NVQ's. There are optional and mandatory units, work based assessments and observations, as well as knowledge based learning.
A qualified A1 Assessor will assess your competence in the work place in a real working environment. Your work will be internally verified and checked by a qualified Internal Verifier who is employed by the college to ensure that the work meets the correct quality assurance and standards.
Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?
In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.
Some units within the QCF structure are purely 'knowledge based' and may be taken without the need for work based assessment.
Bulgarian and Romanian students
NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens seeking to gain a UK qualification whilst studying and working on a 'yellow card' registration (BR1). After 12 months of continuous study and work they can apply for UK residence or Blue Card.
For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser.
For more information on applying for a Yellow Card registration as a student see:
Majestic College offer special packages for EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org
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