NVQ's

NVQ's are work based qualifications that recognise what a person is able to do at work and involves:-

• The skills and knowledge needed to do a job
• The ability to organise work
• Spotting and stopping problems

NVQ's are based on standards that the industry has decided must be met before someone can say that they are "COMPETENT" to do a particular job.

They are very flexible - a candidate can start at an appropriate level and work to any level they have the ability to achieve.

The qualifications are completed at the pace the candidate determines and is based on achieving competence with no exams at all.
The levels of NVQ's are: -

• Foundation or basic skilled employees
• Operators or semi skilled employees
• Technicians, craft skilled and supervisory employees
• Technical and junior to middle management positions
• Professional engineers and senior management positions

NVQ's are made up of units, some mandatory and some optional, and the qualification is complete when all the units have been completed.

Progression through the levels is available as experience and competence develops.

You may be qualified by experience and not by current qualifications and would like to possess evidence of your current skills, if so NVQ's are for you. Remember NVQ's are about what you can do and not just what you know.

Key Skills

In addition to achieving the appropriate NVQ units, in some cases key skills will need to be achieved.

Under key skills 2004, three units will need to be achieved in:-

• Numeracy
• Communication
• Information Technology

The level of key skill depends on the level of NVQ you are working towards.

A portfolio of evidence has to be submitted & the completion of an end test is a requirement in most cases.

"I would like to thank all your staff at NSEGTA Ltd in helping our Supervisors to gain their Team Leader World Class Awards. This has proved to be of great benefit to each of them and also the company.

They have improved their communication, documentation and leadership skills, which in turn has boosted their confidence.

Well done to Steve, Gary and Mick and a big thank you to Paul Williams of NSEGTA Ltd in guiding them through the qualification. "

Ron Gallimore – Works Manager – Jarrobs Limited