Qualifications explained
There are many qualifications available to learners over the age of 16, and not just the traditional qualifications such as GCSE, AS, A Level or BTEC.
Some of the most popular qualifications are NVQs and Apprenticeships.
NVQs
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence based qualifications. They are sector specific, set by the industry themselves, and reflect the skills and knowledge required to do a job effectively. They are work based qualifications and as a result focus on practical performance as well as knowledge and understanding.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that are designed to help employers train people for specific job roles. At the same time, apprentices get a paying job with valuable training while they work towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Most of the apprentice's training takes place on the job, with the rest provided by a local college or specialist learning provider. Employers who take on apprentices get access to motivated, talented people who can be trained up quickly to increase capacity and plug their skills gaps. The employer pays the apprentice's wages, but government funding is available to meet the costs of training (100 per cent if the apprentice is aged 16-18; 50 per cent if they are aged 19-24).
The Qualification and Credit Framework
The Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new way for recognising skills and achievements. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning).
Each unit has a level and a credit value. The level reflects the challenge or difficulty of the unit and the credit value represents the estimated time and effort it takes to complete. One credit represents approximately ten hours of learning.
QCF qualifications are categorised as Awards, Certificates or Diplomas and they can be completed at a number of levels, depending on their size, up to level 8 in some cases.
Find out more about the Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Learning Paths diagram (click to enlarge)
