ConstructionSkills Retains NVQs as Qualifications Prepare to Change

NVQ was never an easy sell for employers when they were introduced in 1986. ConstructionSkills has been working to ensure that the NVQ brand remains while it is still desired and trusted by employers. They argued that scrapping the qualification would have ‘seriously complicate apprenticeship offers’ at a time when the Government is looking to increase numbers, and they ‘underpin the industry’s drive to qualify the workforce [and with] certifications at an all time high, [we] could not afford to lose the NVQ brand that employers recognise and trust’. So the NVQ will remain in name, but these ConstructionSkills qualifications are not exempt from the changes and have adapted them to fit the new framework. But unlike other qualifications outside of construction, they have been able to call them NVQ Diplomas. The changes that were necessary are not vast. The majority of course content will remain unchanged with only two per cent of the NVQ structure having been altered. The new structure allows employers and students to pick a suite of credits to make up a qualification. Most businesses will find that a set qualification doesn’t provide all the skills that is needed of an employee, or perhaps covers areas that are not necessary. The new framework will allow for you to have greater choice on the areas that they need to learn by choosing the appropriate credits as long sufficient credits are taken to make up a qualification. Every unit and qualification will have a credit value (one credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete) and a level between entry and level eight. There are three sizes of qualifications in the QCF: Awards (1 to 12 credits Certificates (13 to 36 credits) and Diplomas (37 credits or more). Are ConstructionSkills’ actions to save the NVQ a victory for the joinery industry? Perhaps in the sense that continuity in name will save employer time in trying to understand the ever-changing labyrinth of the skills environment, it is indeed a victory. But in terms of actual outcomes, they have just added three letters to the end of a new qualification: NVQ.