What are NVQ's

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What are NVQs?	What do NVQs consisit of?	NVQs we offer	Induction process	The assesment
Time Limits	What to do	NVQ use	CSCS	Cost

What do NVQ's Consist of?

National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQs and SVQs) are based on national occupational standards. These standards have been developed by employers to serve the needs of their particular service or business sector, or industry. They are based on standards of performance and their emphasis is on results, rather than the actual process of learning. In other words, they identify and specify what people have to do to demonstrate that they are competent at their job. In this, they are significantly different from academic qualifications which test what people have to know.

To summarise, S/NVQs are work-related, competence based qualifications based on national occupational standards. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively and are recognised by employers and other organisations throughout the UK and give that all-important recognition to the learner for the skills and knowledge they have.

Level	Competence areas
1	A range of varied work activities, most of which are routine and predictable
2	A significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some might be non-routine or complex; there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Working with others may often be a requirement
3	A broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required
4	A broad range of complex professional work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy
5	A significant range of fundamental principles across a wide and unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and significant responsibility for the work of others, and for the allocation of resources; personal accountability for analysis and diagnosis, design, planning, implementation and evaluation.

NVQs are approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and form part of the National Qualifications Framework.

Click here to go to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority site.

What do NVQs consist of?

Each NVQ has a number of Units which cover all aspects of the work they are relevant to. Each unit consists of a number of Performance Criteria which give more detail to the aspects of work for that Unit, and a number of Range Statements are included to ensure you do that activity in more than one scenario. All NVQs have compulsory units and some have additional optional units.

NVQs Offered By CASL
Construction NVQs
Transportation NVQs

What is the Induction Process?

Each candidate is given help in starting off on the NVQ. The assessor will meet with him/her to explain how to use the NVQ documents, how to present the portfolio, gather the evidence, explain where to send the NVQ work, what happens to it when it is received at the centre, and to answer any questions.

How does the Assessment Work?

The measure of assessment is known as competence which can be defined as " The combination of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required to perform consistently a task to a required standard".

The candidate emails the work into the NVQ Centre where it is recorded and forwarded to the assessor. He will examine the text sent by the candidate and make changes using the Microsoft word "Track Changes" tool. This highlights the change in a different colour and gives the option of either accepting or declining the change. This process allows for the NVQ to be completed without losing time away from the "day job" and allows the candidate to work at his/her own pace, with support readily available from the assessment centre (CASL Management Development) through email, fax or phone.

Is There a Time Limit?

Yes, but as long as the candidate works with the Assessor he will ensure completion well before the time limit is approached. The time allowed is either 5 years from the date of registration or by the final date for certification of the NVQ (if the NVQ has been discontinued) but the average completion is normally around a year!

What does the Candidate have to do?

The first step is to complete the 'Candidate Profiling' document and the registration form. The Candidate Profiling form determines which NVQ is the most relevant to the job he/she is doing. This is just ticking a number of boxes, either Yes or No, saying he/she does the activity described. It also shows any areas where there may be a need for training.

Once the candidate is registered on the NVQ, work is started on a Unit, by describing what work is done that fits the Criteria. At the same time the candidate starts collecting the evidence to prove that he/she does what has been said, for example a pre-start document, a Health & Safety document, or any other document. Evidence can be in paper form, photograph, or a statement from a witness saying that the candidate does what has been said. All items of evidence are numbered and recorded in a file.

When the candidate thinks that he/she has written about everything he/she does for that Unit then it is emailed to the assessor for him to read, correct or advise on if necessary. He will add any comments and send it back to the candidate. When the Unit is complete and all the evidence gathered, the assessor will visit the candidate to check that the evidence confirms what has been said. Provided this is all correct the assessor will record the successful completion of that Unit, and the next one is started. (The units do not have to be done in the order they come, it is a good idea to start with the one that looks the easiest or one that the candidate knows he/she can get the evidence for).

When all the Units have been completed the NVQ is complete, and the Assessment Centre will apply for the Certificates (subject to successful verification of the assessments by the Awarding Body).

What use is my NVQ?

Apart from demonstrating to your current or future employer your nationally recognised level of skills and competence, NVQs are also becoming a pre-requirement for membership of professional bodies.

Certain NVQs can be used to apply for membership of professional bodies, e.g. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

CIOB - NVQ Level 3 Construction Site Supervision will get Associated Membership of the CIOB (ACIOB), NVQ 4 Construction Site Management Incorporated Membership (ICIOB) whilst NVQs at Level 5 will form most of the requirements for Corporate Membership of the CIOB (MCIOB). If applying for MCIOB the candidate will also have to undergo a Professional Review. Further information can be found on www.ciob.org.uk.

ICE - NVQ Level 3 Construction Site Supervision will form the educational base for EngTech TMICE, as will NVQ Level 4 Construction Site Management for CEng MICE or IENG MICE, and NVQ Level 5 for CEng MICE or IEng MICE. Further information can be found on www.ice.org.uk.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

The NVQs, together with a pass at the appropriate level of Health & Safety test, will allow the candidate to apply for the correct level of CSCS card. An NVQ at Level 3 will get the Gold card, the NVQ Level 4 will get the Platinum card, and the NVQ Level 5 will get the Black card. We can advise on the application process, call 01600 772011.

NVQs are not only beneficial to the candidate. They have been shown to improve the business performance of the employer by having a trained, competent workforce who are able to objectively view their own, and others', work activities and operate in a professional manner.

For more information, or to book the Health and Safety test, call 01485 577885 or visit http://www.citb.co.uk/healthsafety/thehealthsafetytest/.

A CSCS card is issued to all applicants who meet the scheme's criteria for the ‘Construction Skills Certification Scheme’.

Go to information on CSCS Cards.

How much will my NVQ cost?

The cost of the NVQs are relevant to the level of attainment within your required sector of operation, as such the cost is based on your specific requirements. It may also be possible to gain agreement with employers to meet or contribute towards the costs and under some circumstances there may be additional training grant support available.

To discuss your own personal requirements, simply give the team at CASL a call to discuss on 01600 772 011 or fill in the information request form on the contacts page.