Geoff's Woodwork     

for Students of Woodwork 

Guidance for NVQ awards.  (UK only)

Please Note this article is now dated and readers should seek up to date guidance. 
Geoff - 15th July 2007
For up to date information try here.

National Vocational Awards (NVQ) are vocational awards in the UK and proves competence in the workplace.  They are at five levels and the operator skill level is 2 and the advanced level is at 3 which usually includes supervisory subjects for advancement in the trade.

The candidate usually attends a training centre or college for 'off the job training' and must be employed in the trade to obtain experience and competence where they are assessed.   This element is called 'on the job training'.

When ever a competence is reached it is assessed either by a work placed recorder or an assessor at the college or training centre and recorded in a log book.    Where there is not a work placed recorder it is up to the candidate to produce evidence such as written statements or reports probably backed up with photographs.   These must be verified by a supervisor or manager, etc. known to your college assessor.  This is known as 'Witness Statements'.

Practical activities are normally assessed in the work place where a realistic working environment is available.   It is up to the candidate to collect and prove competent evidence that meets the criteria for the award.   Your assessor helps you do this and advises you how to record it in your log book.   

It is necessary for the scheme for you to be employed in the trade that you are being assessed and your employer is required to provide 'on the job' training in addition to the 'off the job' training in college.   At college you will be taught/ trained and assessed in the modules that your work place cannot provide.   Additionally you will be given the opportunity to learn and be assessed with the 'under-pinning knowledge' for the trade.

Students who are not employed in the trade may study at college for a Progress Award (C&G 6955) or other current course. There are traditional C&G's courses with a timed end test and a multichoice question paper.   Level 3 candidates may also be required to produce written work, practical work and a 3000 word dissertation in addition to the end test plus a written exam.

I have removed my NVQ Guides because they are out of date and I am no longer assessing NVQ Students.

Modern Apprentices ~ MA's

For up to date information try here.

Modern apprentices are required to be employed by an employer who trades in the relevant skill levels to provide work experience and assessment for their NVQ criteria.   MA's are also required to complete their Key Skills certification which includes the creation of a portfolio of their work and a timed multi-choice question paper usually in the following subjects:

Communications, IT, Number, Working with Others, Problem solving and Improving own Learning & Performance.  Go to the C&G's page and view the requirements and exemplar question papers and answers.

The Levels required are 1 or 2 depending on the trade and whether you are a MA or Advanced MA.   Your agreement will list the subjects and levels that you sign with your trainer, etc. before you start on the scheme.

Exemptions are available for the Multi-Choice examination if you have passed recently a relevant examinations at grade C or above.   The Portfolio fully assessed is still required.

20th December 2009