The vocational qualifications system is changing to become more responsive to the specific needs of employers and learners. The content of qualifications will cover what employers want, the system will be simpler for employers and learners to understand and learners will have greater flexibility in the way they can achieve qualifications.
Sector qualifications reform
Employers are being given a leading role in sector qualifications reform. The employer’s voice is heard through Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) – they decide on the qualifications that will be developed, approve these qualifications, and advise on those that will receive priority funding for each sector.
SSCs have been working with employers, awarding organisations and the qualifications regulator to define and develop the relevant qualifications for each sector – employers can be sure that these qualifications are both robust and relevant to industry needs.
For more information see The role of Sector Skills Councils
Qualifications and Credit Framework
The Qualifications and Credit Framework is a new regulated unit-and credit-based framework for recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The QCF was launched in November 2008, following two years of tests and trials, and is now being implemented. Sector Skills Councils, awarding organisations and qualifications regulators (Ofqual in England) are working together to populate the QCF with vocational qualifications.
We expect the QCF to be fully operational in 2010 with all vocational qualifications available in credit-based units of learning.
Detailed information about the QCF is available at QCDA website
See here for information about NVQs and the QCF
Information about comparing qualifications across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland is available in 'Qualifications can cross boundaries'
Information about the qualifications regulators review and evaluation of the QCF regulations is available on the Ofqual website
