What are NVQs?

National vocational qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a learner is competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents.

NVQs are based on national occupational standards.

These standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.

NVQs can be taken by full-time employees or part-time in a job that enables them to demonstrate and develop the appropriate skills.

There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.

The NVQ doesn't involve any written exams, achievement is measured by a process of "assess-learn-assess". The NVQ companies of a number of mandatory (course units) and optional ones. Usually about 50% of each. The optional ones enable you to select a number of un its that are most pertinent to the learners' job. We encourage the learner & their supervisor to play a big part in choosing the best parts (units) to include. The qualifications are usually written by people from within that industry sector, to ensure they are as relevant as possible.

How is an NVQ achieved?

NVQs are achieved through assessment and learning. Assessment is normally through on-the-job observation and questioning. Learners produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards. Assessors sign off units when the learners are ready. The assessor tests candidates' knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

How is an NVQ awarded?

Each learner is assigned an experienced Training Advisor (TA) from Manchester Training - all our TA's have worked in the relevant real working environment. The TA will guide, mentor and support the learner through the training programme.

Assessment takes many forms; a learner may be videoed performing a particular task, or interviewed and recorded on audio tape to prove their knowledge (we find these more effective and learner-friendly than traditional methods). At other times their TA may simply observe them performing their day-to-day duties and where necessary, will teach new techniques & skills and re-observe to ensure improvement. The TA keeps in regular touch with the supervisor/line manager to ensure the training is relevant to the needs of the business, and to maximise the benefits of the training for all involved. THe learner will build on NVQ evidence portfolio to store all this information. Normally the learner will 'reference' the evidence to the 'standards', helped by the TA. Periodically (usually every 4 months) the TA will take this portfolio away to be internally verified (checked) to determine learners progress and understanding when the TA judges that there is enough evidence the portfolio is given a final Independent Verification and if judged complete, it is presented to the awarding body for the award. They in turn will assess it and if judged sufficient, make the award.

NVQ Level 2

An NVQ is usually deemed to be the same as 5 GCSES, A-C.

NVQ Level 3

An NVQ 3 is usually deemed to be equivalent to 2 A level. It can be used to gain entrance to a foundation degree or even full degree.