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IF YOU WANT to get a recognised qualification related to a particular industry or sector, an NVQ may be for you. You can study NVQs at work, college, or as part of an apprenticeship. |
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NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a 'competence-based' qualification: this means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.
NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the course, you compare your skills and knowledge with these standards as you learn, so you can see what you need to do to meet them.
Taking an NVQ could be appropriate if you already have skills and want to improve them, or if you are starting from scratch.
NVQs are at levels 1 to 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.
GNVQs, or General National Vocational Qualifications, were aimed at providing a more general introduction to an area of work.
GNVQs were phased out between 2005 and 2007. As an alternative, you can choose from a growing range of vocational qualifications - such as BTECs, OCR Nationals, and GCSEs and GCEs in applied subjects.
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NVQs are assessed on practical assignments and a portfolio of evidence. Normally, a qualified assessor will observe you and question you about the real work you carry out in the workplace (or a realistic working environment). They will test your knowledge and understanding as well as your actual performance.
Your assessor will 'sign-off' individual units within the NVQ when you have reached the required standard. You are assessed as being either 'competent' or 'not yet competent'.
Within reason, there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ; it is designed to be taken at a pace that suits your needs. However, many learners take about one year to complete an NVQ at level 1 and 2, and around two years for an NVQ at level 3.
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NVQs are available to adults and young people alike. You can take NVQs if: you are employed, you are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement.
You can also take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an apprenticeship. In some cases you can also do an NVQ if you are at school.
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What subjects are available? |
There are over 1300 different NVQs to choose from. They are available in the
vast majority of business sectors, including:
business and management |
sales, marketing and distribution |
health care |
food, catering and leisure services |
construction and property |
manufacturing, production and engineering |
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Completing an NVQ can lead to further training at the next NVQ level. You could go all the way to a level 5 NVQ and/or professional qualifications, usually in a related area.
If you've studied an NVQ at level 3, you could also go on to a higher education course in a related vocational area, such as a: Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or other vocational specialism.
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