Sector Qualifications Strategies (SQSs) are the mechanisms for ensuring that employers' and learners' needs are met by the vocational qualifications (VQs) that are developed. SQSs are developed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and Qualifications Strategies (QSs) are developed by Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs)
The Process
SQSs and QSs are based on Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) gathered by SSCs or SSBs. Based on these strategies SSCs and SSBs work with awarding organisations to develop action plans specifying where there are gaps and new vocational qualifications are needed, or existing vocational qualifications need revision. Awarding organisations then design the qualifications. By maintaining dialogue with the relevant SSC or SSB, the resultant vocational qualifications should meet market needs and therefore to be approved by the relevant SSC.
The process of developing SQSs or QSs is led by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (UKCES) and is supported by the four nations of the UK.
