The campaign to keep NVQs in the construction industry's qualification structure has been successful thanks to its Sector Skills Council, ConstuctionSkills.
This year, the government attempted to scrap NVQs as part of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), but constant efforts by the council, named ConstructionSkills; now means that industry standard qualifications are set to continue.
The new QCF means that every unit and qualification will have a credit value (one credit equals 10 hours) and a level between entry level and level 8. The three sizes of qualifications are: Awards (1 to 12 credits), Certificates (13 to 36 credits) and Diplomas (37 credits or more). In almost every area, construction NVQs have been changed successfully to this new structure, which will soon be called NVQ Diploma.
Recent research revealed that over 80% of construction companies are happy with the current structure; as NVQs are recognised and valued by employers as a quality, competency-based qualification. Registrations and certifications for NVQs are at an all time high.
NVQs sit at the heart of the Apprenticeship Framework and are vital to the achievement of fully qualified new entrants. Removing NVQs would have complicated the apprenticeship offer at a time when the government is trying to drive up the number of apprentices, making the challenge in construction all the more difficult. The loss of NVQs would have also had serious implications for the industry registration and certification schemes that the qualification supports, damaging health and safety standards and customer confidence.
“We have fought to save NVQs as they are an essential part of the construction training infrastructure," commented Nick Gooderson, head of standards and qualifications at ConstructionSkills. “They underpin the industry’s drive to qualify the workforce and are a vital requisite for workers to gain professional accreditation"
“Removing the NVQ as a qualification in its own right would have been unacceptable for industry, leading to widespread confusion amongst employers, as well as increased bureaucracy in communicating the significant changes at a time when every business is striving cut down on costs," he added.
Further information about NVQ qualifications in construction can be found at www.cskills.org
