What is an NVQ?
What is an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Competency Based
National vocational qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. The NVQ reflects the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that an individual is competent in the job role they work in.
The NVQ cannot fail an individual. They will either be competent at the task required or not yet competent. There is no in between i.e. not very competent or nearly competent. Competency is assessed no exams are involved.
Attending the traditional training course which completes with an exam enables the individual to gain a lot of knowledge but at the end is tested on only a limited amount of the knowledge. With an NVQ the individual needs to meet the rrequirements to be deemed competent.
National Occupational Standards
NVQs are based on national occupational standards (nos) written by experts in the relevant industry. These standards are statements of performance requirements that describe what competent people in a particular job role are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of that job role, including:
- current best practice,
- ability to adapt to future requirements
- the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance..to do that job
NVQs do have to be completed in a specified amount of time. Currently this is normally agreed from the start with each individual as 9 months.
Funding could be available to everyone meeting the criteria starting an NVQ with Intrinsic Training Solutions Ltd - "Training to Aid Development".
How Do NVQ's Benefit an Organisation?
- Nationally recognised qualification.
- Based on standards of competence - practical and knowledge
- Available at different levels from Level 1 for basic operatives to Level 7 which is degree level (see table referring to levels below)
- Sharpens staff skills and improves motivation
- Subjects includes Health & Safety and Hygiene negating the need (saves the cost) to arrange further training in same subjects.
- Can be used as part of a company's own training requirements.
- Records the requirement of due diligence of training.
- Specific to industry sector's standards and legistlation requirements.
- Forms elements of quality assurance and customer re-assurance procedures.
- Customers place more confidence in suppliers when records show staff meet nationallly recognised structured training standards.
- Records that sucessful structured training has been given in specific areas specified by legislation and requirements of customers.
- Provides training records to meet customer and industry audits and inspections e.g. BRC, EFFIS and BIU.
- Certificates are awarded by internationally recognised awarding bodies. At Intrinsic Training Solutions we are approved by City & Guilds, Meat Training Council and the C.I.E.H.
| NVQ Level | Explanation of Levels | Who Should Do this Level |
| Level1 | Level 1 qualification recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability toapply learning with the guidance of Supervision or guidance. Learning at Level 1 is relating everyday working activities to the job to indicate competence. | Recently employed operative. Basic operative level. |
| Level 2 | The Level 2 qualification recogises the ability to gain good job knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge and skills in relation to job tasks and is appropriate for people able to complete man differnt job tasks. | Operatives or employees with different job roles and skills. |
| Level 3 | At this level we recognise the ability to gain and as appropriate apply a range of job knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. This level is appropriate for individuals working indepentantly, or in supervising roles or above training others in their work area. | Senior operatives, Team Leaders, Lineleader, Supervisor or Quality Personnel |
How Do NVQs Benefit Individuals?
- The NVQ certificate identifies the units completed identifying the title of each one.
- No formal entry requirements as long as learners work in Food Manufacture environment.
- Enables everyone to gain recognition for the skills used everday to do their job.
- The NVQ is achieved through the demonstration of an individuals skill and knowledge showing how well they do the job.
- The NVQ certificate is accepted within Industry as a bona fida qualification indicating competence.
- Can be used as part of personal CV.
- Certificate presented on completion to each individual.
What Skills will be Recognised?
The NVQ is completed through completing units (subjects) about the jobs and skills - procedures and practises used everyday in the job.
- *Maintain Personal Hygiene Standards in Food Manufacturing
- *Operate Safely in Food Manufacturing
- *Work Effectively in Food Manufacturing
- *Contribute to Improvements in Food Manufacture
- *Carry Out & Finish Transfer of Materials in Food Manufacture
*More units available rules of contribution apply.
How is the Programme Delivered?
The NVQ is delivered mostly on the job by our qualified NVQ Assessor on your site. Learners work with the Assessor to build evidence in their own portfolio which will be theirs to keep on completion. The Assessor works with individuals once a fortnight for about an hour to enable regular progress to ensure completion within 9 months.
What will it Cost Me?
We are able to offer access to 100% Government funding for NVQ at Level 1 and Level 2. This is subject to individual meeting the funding eligibility criteria. Should an individual not meet the funding criteria a contribution may be required.
What Progression is possible on Completion?
Having completed Level 2 in Food Manufacture Level 3 is available.
As an alternative a second Level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques may be available.
Please contact Philip Wadsworth at Intrinsic Training Solutions Ltd telephone 01536 521024.