Making vocational qualifications more successful

As part of the initial work on reforming vocational qualifications, the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) identified reasons for low take of some qualifications with the aim of removing unnecessary ones from the system. A key outcome from this work is the development of a Code for Practice to guide the ongoing removal of VQs from the system when they become unnecessary.

As part of this work, FAB and JCQ analysed the factors which contribute to vocational qualifications being successful in the market place. The following factors were found to help ensure a successful vocational qualification:

Regulation

Statutory requirements or licence to practice rules which are appropriate to the sector and realistic in terms of the demands they make on employers. A more subtle, lighter touch for many sectors.
An accreditation process which is streamlined, with inclusive SSCs working collaboratively with awarding bodies and providers to enable endorsement and accreditation.
Formal recognition and encouragement within the UK VQRP of employer involvement with awarding bodies to develop tailored programmes.

Design

Awards tailored to employer's needs and real capability to deliver. Outside the 14-19 and apprenticeship market, short, flexible, practical assessment, realistic QA costs and demands. Fit with learners/employees work pattern.
Qualifications designed primarily around these needs, not to meet funding or framework requirements. Sufficient flexibility of funding and regulations to recognise local market need or strategic priorities rather than working with national straitjackets.
Serving skills market demand through awards with a clear contribution to business bottom line or perceived needs. Raise revenue, improve process, reduce costs, show due diligence, meet insurance or industry regulations.
Direct involvement in the development process of providers, employers and stakeholders who will actually offer or purchase the qualification, backed by piloting prior to launch to ensure the qualification works for providers, employers and learners.
Use of strategic core units as a minimum requirement to achieve take up but links to wider awards and progression as an encouragement for learners or employers.

Capacity

Ensuring the capacity and capability of providers to deliver is in place prior to formal launch with sufficient local numbers for economic delivery.

Promotion

Sharing of information, consultation and dissemination to a wider group of providers/employers during the development and piloting to raise awareness and build demand.
Effective sales and marketing strategy from awarding bodies including field sales staff who understand product and market.

Support

Awards designed to support training pattern of employers in the sector with materials, handbooks, one day courses etc. Option to offer without QA assessment if the industry prefers.