Introduction
Traditionally in the UK achievement is recognised in schools and colleges through the taking of exams and the awarding of GCSE’s, A Levels and Diplomas or Certificates.
In the past everyone completed their education or ‘training’ before starting work, or in the early stages of work, and never subsequently received recognition for knowledge or skills they gained in the work place.
NVQ’s changed all that. NVQ’s are assessed in the work place and provide recognition of work skills and knowledge which has been gained over time through ‘doing-the-job’.
Each NVQ is assessed to national standards and are recognised by employers throughout the country. An NVQ shows an employer that someone has the up-to-date skills they require to do a job competently.
All NVQ’s are achieved through the demonstration of skills and so do not normally involve study or attendance on a ‘course’ of any kind.
NVQ’s are qualifications for work and show you can actually do a job, and not simply that you know how to do it in theory.
At Level 1
- Business and Administration
- Cleaning and Support Services
At Level 2
- Business and Administration
- Cleaning and Support Services (Building Interiors)
- Customer Service
- Team Building
At Level 3
- Business and Administration
- Management
- Customer Service
At Level 4
- Business and Administration
- Customer Service
Background
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) exist for a whole range of work roles. Some are very specific and apply only to one occupation for example an NVQ in Brewing. Others are more general and can be undertaken by people working in a wide variety of work settings with similar roles, for example a Management NVQ.
NVQs Explained
Most NVQ’s can be completed at different Levels. The levels relate to the degree to which someone can undertake their work in the way they want to and, in some cases, for supervising or managing others. The greater choice and decision making you have in your role the higher the level of NVQ you could complete.
The DFES provide explanations of the different NVQ levels on their NVQ website.
In abbreviated form the following gives an indication of the different levels…
Level 1
Suited to a work role where the tasks undertaken maybe varied, to some extent, throughout the day but are routine and predictable.
Level 2
Suited to a work role which has a greater variety of tasks. The work role would involve the completion of some complex work activities, often in different settings or contexts and a degree of decision making or autonomy. It is normal for someone working at Level 2 to work with others on the completion of a task, sometimes in formal work teams.
Level 3
Suited to a work role which includes a wide variety of tasks carried out in a variety of different contexts. The work will be complex and non-routine. Although involving a high degree of autonomy the role will often rely on input or guidance from others in the completion of tasks.
Level 4
Suited to a work role which involves the completion of a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities performed in a variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. The role will often involve the supervision of others and the responsibility for the use and maintenance of resources.
Level 5
Suited to a work role which involves the completion of tasks across a wide and often unpredictable variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy and often significant responsibility for the work of others and for the allocation of substantial resources features strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.
Still not sure which NVQ Level your work role is suited to ? The best way forward would be to Contact Us and, following a brief discussion, we should be able to advise you which level you should be looking to complete.
An Alternative Explanation
Alternatively, but don’t read too much into this … it really is only a rough and ready guide … the following ‘job description’ based explanations may help …
Level 1
Foundation Skills in Occupations
Level 2
Operative or Semi-Skilled Occupations
Level 3
Technician, Craft, Skilled and Supervisory Occupations
Level 4
Technical and Junior Management Occupations
Level 5
Chartered, Professional and Senior Management Occupations
