► About NVQs

An NVQ or National Vocational Qualification is a qualification at levels 1-5 which assesses your practical work skills. NVQs are the practical assessment for an apprenticeship. So if you are on an Apprenticeship you will be taking an NVQ level 2 and on and Advance Apprenticeship you will be taking an NVQ level 3.

Some colleges offer NVQs in subjects where they are able to create a working environment for students such as in hairdressing or beauty therapy. If you choose to follow an employment route at 16, it is likely that you would take NVQ qualifications in that job role. The NVQ breaks down a job role into specific ‘work tasks’ which you are assessed in, use these assessments to build up a portfolio of evidence of you work skills.

► Key points about NVQs

► There is no age limit on NVQs; you can work for them throughout your working life.
► NVQs are national qualifications - they cover England and Wales which means that employers all over the country will know what your skills are
► Each NVQ has a title and a level to help you to identify how qualifications relate to each other
► You don't get an NVQ just because you have been on a course - you have to show you have the skills and understanding to do a job or series of tasks correctly by yourself
► You can learn at your own speed - there are no time limits
► You can start one at any time - you don't need to wait for a new term or college year.

► What skills will you have to use?

► NVQs are very practical
► You will have to show you have the right skills by doing some practical tests or by collecting some evidence of your skills from work you have completed
► Any written tests tend to be multi-choice tests rather than three hour essay questions
► Some students find this way of working, learning and being assessed suits them better than full time study
► The size of the company is not important; you can work for NVQs with companies of all sizes

► What level NVQ will you do?

There are NVQs related to nearly every job - from management to factory floor workers!

► They are available at five levels - 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
► Most young people work towards level 1, 2 or 3
► Levels 4 and 5 are for those in senior or management positions

It is important to have qualifications for the work you do and this will become increasingly more important in the future - so check out the right starting level for you ...

► NVQ level 1

►This is the right starting level for you if you have few or no qualifications and are looking to learn how to do a practical job.
► Getting level 1 shows you have gained skills at foundation level.
► It means you can complete a range of mainly routine tasks correctly, by yourself.
► The training and the assessment (testing) of your skills are done mainly in the work place. It provides a broad basis on which you work and progress.
► NVQ level 1 roughly equates to GCSE at grades D - G.

So don't stop now ... push on and start to learn some more skills.

► NVQ level 2

► NVQ level 2, is also known as Apprenticeship level.
► You are likely to work towards this level if you leave school at 16 and start work or training, especially if you are learning a craft or trade.
► Getting level 2 shows you can complete work needing more skills and knowledge than those with level 1.
► The training and testing will be done mainly in the work place. You may also go to college or training centre on day or block release
► NVQ level 2 roughly equates to five GCSEs at grade C.

Don't stop now ... push on to level 3 or extend your range of skills at level 2.

► NVQ level 3

► NVQ level 3, which is also known as Advanced Apprenticeship is the level technicians and trainee managers work towards.
► Getting level 3 shows that you have gained the knowledge and skills for a broad range of work activities including many that are complex and non-routine. Supervisory skills may be involved at this level.
► NVQ level 3 roughly equates to two full A level passes, an A level in a vocational subject or other vocationally related qualifications (VRQs).

► NVQ level 4

► This level is for those in management or other senior jobs.
► Getting level 4 shows that you have competence in doing complex, technical or specialist work. This may include work involving design, planning or supervisory duties.
► NVQ level 4 roughly equates to a degree or Higher National Diploma or Certificate.

► NVQ level 5

► This level is for those with extensive experience in senior or management jobs.
► Getting level 5 shows you have extensive knowledge and responsibility for your work including technical ability and that you have the ability and expertise to take responsibility for a wide range of managerial decisions.
► NVQ level 5 roughly equates to a post graduate or a professional qualification.

If you would like to find out what NVQs are available in your area please visit the Area Wide Prospectus