An explanation of the replacements for NVQs

Vocational qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework are new, work-related qualifications that replace NVQs. They are designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. We’re offering all the same subjects as we did before.

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have both a credit value and a level:

• One credit represents 10 hours of average learning time and so the credit value shows how much time it takes to complete
• The level shows how difficult the unit or qualification is and this can be anywhere between Entry level and Level 8

There are three sizes of qualification in the QCF:

• Award (1-12 credits)
• Certificate (13-36 credits)
• Diploma (above 36 credits)

Contact the course team or the college Enquiries & Admissions line 0845 330 3343 or email askqcf@bracknell.ac.uk

Do these simply replace the NVQs?

Yes, the last enrolment date for most NVQs was the 31 December 2010. The new qualifications also replace ones like the Diploma in Pre-School Practice.

Does that mean my existing NVQ is no longer valid and I will have to do one of the new Diplomas?

Your NVQ holds the same value with employers as it always did. However if you have an NVQ Level 2 and you are wanting to progress to a Level 3, you would now need to do one of the new qualifications under the QCF.

What’s involved in the new qualifications?

You will need to show you have the knowledge and experience to do your job effectively.

You’ll need to give evidence of what you know about your job, known as ‘knowledge’ through written evidence or tasks and assignments. You’ll also need to show ‘knowledge and competence’ in what you do.

The evidence you will need to collect will include written accounts and reflections about what you have done at work, witness testimony from your manager and colleagues. Our Assessor will come to your workplace to observe and question you about how you ‘perform’ at work. You will also keep examples of your work such as minutes of meetings, action plans, work plans.

Will I need to attend college?

Each vocational area is different. Some require college attendance, some do not. Ask us for more detail.

Do I need to be working to do these qualifications?

Yes – but you could be a volunteer; you don’t have to be a paid employee.

What do they cost to do?

Many courses can be government funded for their duration – so long as we sign you up before the rules change in July 2011.

And we’re holding our 2010 prices too.