What are NVQ's and Apprenticeships?

The government have identified a need to implement a National programme for improving the skills levels of individuals to achieve a minimum basic education level and enhance workplace competence.
The model chosen is to identify the skills needs and deliver an appropriate training plan to upgrade the needs.

What is an NVQ?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a course that shows the skills and ability of an individual and the level of competence in the job they operate it.
There are hundreds of qualifications ranging from Care through to Logistics. The qualification is delivered by an accredited and funded company, who have trained assessors and verifiers to ensure the qualification criteria, is met.
NVQ's come in a number of levels, and range from Level 1 to Level 7. Not all NVQ's are funded and some may require full or part funding from the learner or their company.
An NVQ will vary in the delivery time and may take longer should an individual need assistance or additional training in certain areas.
All NVQ's are based on the individual doing their job in a real world environment. Assessments are carried out whilst the candidate is operating in their daily duty, so absolutely minimising any disruption to production.

Other Topics:

• Types of funding available
• What is right for me or my company?
• Eligibility
• Regional or National?
• What are the benefits?
• Getting started
• What's available?

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are qualifications used to upskill and enhance existing or new staff. It is a course that shows the skills and ability of an individual and the level of competence in their job role.
There are hundreds of qualifications ranging from Care through to Logistics. The qualification is delivered by an accredited and funded company, who have trained assessors, tutors and verifiers to ensure the qualification criteria, is met.
An Apprenticeship will last approximately 12 months for Level 2's and 18 months for Level 3's. This may take longer should an individual need assistance or additional training in certain areas.
All Apprenticeships are based on the individual doing their job in a real world environment.
Apprenticeships consist of components which together complete a framework. The components are:

• NVQ for subject type
• Keyskills for Application of Number and Communication. Some qualifications include Information, Communication and Technology.
• Some apprenticeships have a Technical Certificate also known as BTEC's attached to the programmes. The BTEC is to assist further knowledge within the industry of the Apprenticeship.
• Work-Skills assist learning for employment rights and responsibilities and personal learning and thinking skills.

Learners Journey

Initial Interview to Check:

1. Your eligibility for funding
2. Take part in a discussion to allow information, advice and guidance to be given, ensuring you are signed up to the right course
3. Complete a numeracy and literacy initial assessment
4. Take part in a Training Needs Analysis to establish if you have any training needs which will help you gain the underpinning knowledge required to assist you in your current job role
5. Agree qualification and training followed by an induction to the programme

Induction

1. Allocation of an Assessor who will contact you to arrange a first meeting
2. Introduction to your chosen qualification and selection of units
3. Look at the types of evidence you can use towards your qualification

Delivery

An Assessor will visit you at your workplace and observe you whilst performing routine tasks or complete training sessions and/or workshops.
During these visits your Assessor/tutor will:

1. Review your progression
2. Plan further progression
3. Review any training delivered
4. Carry out a task that relates to the qualification being delivered. These stages will continue until completion.

Internal Verification (IV) & Sign-Off

1. Once your qualification has been completed our IV's (quality assurance) will check the work submitted and confirm your Assessor's decision of completion
2. Certificate claimed

The qualification you have chosen will decide the time-frame of delivery. This can range from eight weeks to eighteen months.