NVQ Training Providers: Work Based Training

What are NVQs/SVQs?

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are work based training qualifications that demonstrate competence at work. NVQs/SVQs are based on national occupational standards. Each NVQ/SVQ is made up of a number of units of work, some units are  mandatory and others are optional which allow the qualification to be tailored to the needs of the employer and employee and the relevance to the employee’s individual job role. 

How are NVQs/SVQs achieved?

When you begin your NVQ/SVQ you will be allocated a personal assessor who will become your contact and will help you progress through your qualification.  To achieve the NVQ/SVQ you will be asked to build up a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates tasks and activities  you have completed at work.  The evidence could be copies of work completed (e.g. letters or spreadsheets) or could be statements written by your assessor (e.g. documenting a time  they observed you doing your job well or when you demonstrated good knowledge of your work duties during a questioning session).  Your assessor will visit every 3 - 4 weeks to  view your portfolio and will sign off the different NVQ/SVQ units when  you have enough evidence in your portfolio to demonstrate  you have proven your abilities in that particular unit. 

Your work based training NVQ portfolio stays with you the whole way through your quailfication so you can add to it whenever you like and can check how far you have come and what you have left to do at any time.  If extra learning is helpful (e.g. an IT course) then this can be easily added to your study programme and will count as “underpinning knowledge”.

How long will my NVQ/SVQ take to complete?

The timescale required to complete an NVQ/SVQ really does depend on which NVQ/SVQ is selected and at which level, your own capabilities and motivation levels and the amount of support provided by your employer.  As a rough guide you should expect to spend 6-8 months on-programme.  If you can get agreement from your employer to allow you a certain amount of time every week to work on your qualification then this is very helpful, of course there are also some things you can complete outside of work hours if you want to!

Is an NVQ/SVQ a recognised qualification?

Yes, an NVQ at level 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSE’s grades A-C in England.  An NVQ/SVQ level 3 is equivalent to 2 A Levels in England or in between a Higher and Advanced Higher qualification in Scotland.  If desired, the credit from an NVQ/SVQ can be incorporated towards an Apprenticeship qualification.

Where will I complete my NVQ/SVQ?

NVQs/SVQs are designed to be completed in the workplace.  The range of NVQs/SVQs provided by Rewards do not require day release at college. All elements of the qualification are incorporated into your daily work duties within the workplace. 

All employees aged 16 or above whether working full-time, part-time or in a voluntary capacity are eligible to complete an NVQ/SVQ.