What is happening to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQ)?

Vocational and work-related qualifications are changing to become more responsive to the demands of employers and learners. They will be more relevant to an employer’s needs and more accessible to a wider range of learners.

The Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can build up your units at your own pace and use them towards a full qualification. You are able to bank your achievements over time and keep them as you move from training into employment or from one job to another. You do not have to study anything that you have already been accredited for.

There are three sizes of qualification in the QCF:

Award (1 to 12 credits)
Certificate (13 to 36 credits)
Diploma (37 credits or more)

There are different levels at each size of the qualification from entry level at the bottom to Level 8 at the top. The level tells you how difficult the course is whilst the size tells you how long the course is likely to take. An Award at level 1 is therefore quicker and easier to complete than a Diploma at level 3.

There are no entry requirements or age restriction for QCF qualifications. They are open to any candidate who has the potential to meet the requirements for the qualifications.

The following QCF qualifications (usually available as awards, certificate and diplomas) are suitable for those seeking recognition of their competence in one or more of a wide variety of activities and offer maximum flexibility to meet the needs of semi-skilled and skilled workers engaged in engineering, manufacturing or production and maintenance. The QCF range are based on national industry standards and recognise that candidates, who have demonstrated their ability to reach the standard, have the skill and associated knowledge to work safely and competently at the appropriate level in their chosen area.

WATA offer a wide range of QCF qualifications including:

Engineering Maintenance

The Engineering Maintenance NVQ benefits both employers and employees by offering alternative pathways and choice within pathways to suit the widest possible range of needs:
Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Fluid Power, Engineered Systems, Services Maintenance, Communication Electronics, Servicing Medical Equipment.

Electrical and Electronic Servicing

These qualifications are suitable for those seeking recognition of their competence in a wide variety of activities including:
Signal Reception, Consumer/Commercial Electronics.

Performing Manufacturing Operations

The primary objective of the Performing Manufacturing Operations NVQ is to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce as a whole. This can be done, where possible, by integrating NVQs into the organisation’s models for personal development and recognising the competence of the people who make up the workforce at all levels.

Certificate for Domestic Electrical Installers

This qualification incorporates the requirements for electrical safety (Part P) of the Building Regulations and is in partnership with the ECA, NICEIC and Summit Skills. The programme is designed for persons undertaking work in the domestic electrical sector. From January 2005, electrical installation work in dwellings will need to comply with Part P of the building Regulations. This qualification is designed to specifically meet the needs of persons working within Part P of the Building Regulations. It will allow the holder to become a ‘Qualified Supervisor’ with a firm that has registered with a government approved Part P Competent Persons Scheme and has the full commitment of the key trade bodies.

Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering

Machining, NC/CNC Machining, Machine Tool Setting, Fitting and Assembly, Pipe Fitting and Assembly, Composite Manufacture/Polymer Engineering, Optical Engineering.

For more information contact the Technical Skills team on 01480 435544 or email info@wata.co.uk