Vocational qualifications such as NVQ’s (National Vocational Qualifications) and QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) are work-related, competence-based qualifications introduced to train people in a work based environment - from beginner apprentice to senior management. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ/QCF represents.

Millions of learners in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.

The NVQ qualification has recently been replaced by the QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework. 

The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.

The advantage and flexibility of the system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.

NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on ‘national occupational standards’ laid down by the Government body ENTO. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.

Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.

How are QCF/NVQ’s achieved?

QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.

Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?

In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.

Some units within the QCF structure are purely ‘knowledge based’ and may be taken without the need for work based assessment. 

Bulgarian and Romanian students – why you should consider a vocational course

NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens seeking to gain a UK qualification whilst studying and working on a ‘yellow card’ registration (BR1). After 12 months of continuous study and work they can apply for UK residence or Blue Card.

For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser. 

Majestic College is a Borehamwood based OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre which has helped hundreds of students gain vocational qualifications.

Majestic College offer special packages for UK and EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020 or email info@majesticcollege.org

http://www.majesticcollege.org/

Millions of ‘learners’ or students (resident and international learners on student visas) in the UK have taken NVQ courses covering a wide diversity of subjects ranging from Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Administration, IT and Hospitality and Catering.

Vocational qualifications in the UK have recently been revamped by the introduction of QCF or Qualifications and Credit Framework model, which gradually replaced NVQ’s during a transition period giving learners time to complete their course.

There are thousands of learners still finishing NVQ’s, which will still be a valid qualification, however, to make matters even more confusing, the qualification framework levels have also been changed. For instance, an NVQ level 4 management level qualification is equivalent to a QCF level 5.

Advantages and disadvantages of QCF and NVQ

The QCF, like an NVQ, is a system for recognising skills and qualifications in a vocational setting. It does this by awarding credit for qualifications and units (small steps of learning), with each unit holding a credit value. This value specifies the number of credits gained by learners who complete that unit.

The advantage and flexibility of the QCF system allows learners to gain qualifications at their own pace along routes that suit them best. Unlike an NVQ the QCF’s credit based system means that a student who fails to complete the entire award, certificate or diploma can gain recognised credits for their work rather than walking away empty handed.

The main drawback for the QCF will be employer recognition and acceptance. NVQ’s are a well known ‘brand’ understood by industry as the standard for vocational, as opposed to academic, learning. Critics have argued that the qualifications could have been updated without dropping the established ‘NVQ’ label.

NVQ’s and QCF qualifications are based on ‘national occupational standards’ laid down by the Government bodies and the Sector Skills Councils. These standards describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that make competent performance.

Within reason, NVQ’s and QCF qualifications do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.

How are QCF’s/NVQ’s achieved?

QCF/NVQ’s are achieved through study, training and on-going assessment. Assessment is normally through on-the-job, work related observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are competent. The assessor tests candidates’ knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

There are no exams, dissertations or complicated written work needed to gain a vocational qualification.

The UK qualifications regulator QFQUAL describes the new structure as simple yet flexible.

Every unit and qualification has a credit value and a level. One credit represents ten notional hours of learning, showing how much time the average learner would take to complete the unit or qualification. Levels indicate difficulty and vary from entry (1) to level 8. There are three types of qualification:

• Awards (1 to 12 credits)
• Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
• Diplomas (37 credits or more)

You can have an award of any difficulty level from 1 to 8. This is because the type indicates the size of qualification, not its difficulty.

Comparing QCF with other qualifications

The title of a qualification should indicate its difficulty, how long it will take the average learner to complete, and its general content, using the following information:

• Qualification level (from lowest, entry level to level 8 at the top)
• Qualification size (award/certificate/diploma)
• Content of the qualification

The title of a qualification you will enable you to judge the degree of difficulty, how long it will take the average person to complete and a good idea of the content.

To illustrate the level of difficulty of the units and qualifications in the new framework OFQUAL states that that GCSEs (grade A*–C) are at level 2, GCE A levels are at level 3, a Bachelors Degree would be at level 6, a Masters Degree at level 7 and a PhD is a level 8.

Where can you take a QCF?

You can find approved centres all over the country. Colleges and centres must be assessed and approved by an official awarding body such as OCR, EDEXCEL or EDI in order to run QCF courses.

To ensure high standards are maintained, centres must demonstrate to the awarding body that they have competent tutors/assessors and IV’s (Internal Verifier) in place before approval is granted.

Majestic College is an OCR accredited NVQ/QCF Training Centre based in the north London/Herts area which has helped over 400 hundred students gain vocational qualifications in the last couple of years.

Who can take an NVQ/QCF vocational course?

In general anyone can take a vocational course provided they are able to demonstrate competence in a work based environment.

Some units within the QCF structure are purely ‘knowledge based’ and may be taken without the need for work based assessment. 

Bulgarian and Romanian students

NVQ and QCF courses have proved popular with Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, as well as overseas Tier 4 students, seeking to gain a practical work based UK qualification whilst studying and working on a ‘yellow card’ registration (BR1).

Like other overseas students, many EU students already have academic qualifications in their own country which have not led them into the work place. Taking a vocational course will give them the practical skills to enable them to find a job.

The vocational or work based element of the course allows Bulgarian and Romanian students to work full time whilst studying. Employers usually welcome NVQ/QCF students because their course relates to the work they are doing and training helps drive up standards. Students like vocational courses because they can ‘earn while they learn’.

After 12 months of continuous full time study and work Bulgarians and Romanians can apply for UK residence Blue Card.

For more information on immigration rules for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens visit the UK Border Agency website or see an OISC registered immigration adviser. 

Majestic College offer a range of QCF and management courses for resident and overseas students including: NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care or Customer Service, CMI Level 5 and Level 7 in Leadership and Management, A1, V1 and ESOL English Language. They are currently offering special packages for EU students. For more information call Joanna on 0208 207 1020, email info@majesticcollege.org or visit http://www.majesticcollege.org/

Majestic College NVQ Graduation Feb 2011

Shine! is a major initiative from the British Council that shines the spotlight on international students and their contributions to life in the UK.  

When voting for the 2011 competition closed, 12 regional winners were announced from more than 1200 entries!

The overall International Student of the Year 2011 was announced at a glamorous award ceremony, hosted by TV presenter Angelica Bell and Radio One DJ Nihal in London. 

As well as adding this impressive achievement to their CV, each regional winner takes home £1000 and James Xi Xu, from China, managed to add a further £1000 after he won the prestigious International Student of the Year! 2011 award. 

During his time in England, studying at a university college in London, James has been involved with a considerable amount of fundraising work for the victims of natural disasters in Pakistan and Haiti.  He will also be selecting and working with volunteers during the 2012 Olympics. 

Source: UK University Services (UKUS) http://www.uk-universityservices.co.uk/ukus-news/britishcouncilinternationalstudentoftheyear2011

To register your application to be an international student…contact UKUS via the Registration Form

UKUS is a free University and College Admissions and Advice Service based in London, UK.

Since they are retained by Universities, both in the UK and around the world, their services are completely free to students.

Applying directly to a university or college in a foreign country is not always easy. They can help.

The UKUS team has a wealth of experience in providing advice to students wanting to study on campus at universities and colleges or online by distance learning.

There are a huge variety of courses available in Britain. These range from short programmes suitable for student visitor visa holders – such as a 4 week Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course – to 1 year vocational (NVQ/QCF) and Management Diploma courses, right up to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and beyond.

Immigration Rules differ from country to country and change frequently. The UK has recently introduced an Australian-style points-based system. Non-EU students applying to study in the UK for longer than six months need to apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa and score 40 points.

However, students who want to come to the UK in order to do a short course of study during their visit, can simply apply to do so as a ‘student visitor’.

Here are just some of the free services UKUS can provide:

• Advice to overseas students on finding the right course for them at a UK University
• Advice to all students on finding the right course for them at Universities around the world
• Guidance on requirements and filling in application forms for University courses
• Help on where to obtain information on Student Visas and other Immigration Advice
• Guidance on who to contact about working whilst studying
• Advice on who to contact about working after study

Students interested in studying abroad can complete the Online UKUS Registration Form for more details.

Related articles:

New Tier 4 Student Visa rules implemented 21 April 2011, but will students applying to private colleges be allowed to work?

University has Tier 4 licence suspended

FILIPINO ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE

Winchester based group the ‘Filipino Association in Central Hampshire’, headed by Glenbert Mo­day, welcomed Immigration Advisers UK to deliver a semi­nar last month on the problems faced by students when renewing their Tier 4 visas.

OISC registered Immigration Advisers Cynthia Barker, Evelie Padadac and Charles Kelly (all pictured), spent the day at Winchester University on Friday advising stu­dent members on the latest Tier 4 changes.

The date coincided with this week’s an­nouncement by UK Home Secretary, Theresa May, of plans to reduce the number of stu­dent visas by up to 80,000.

The changes, set to be implemented on 6 April 2011, include allowing only students studying at universities and publicly funded colleges to work and bring their dependants.

After the seminar and lunch at Winchester University’s brand new cafeteria, the students had free one-to-one consultations with the advisers.

Glen said that the talk was ‘very useful’ and the students ‘learned a lot and now have a better idea where they stand’. He would definitely invite Bison UK back again at a future meeting.

CHARLES KELLY ADDRESSING MEMBERS

Charles Kelly said afterwards:

“Many of the students were unaware of the ‘Established Presence’ rule and the effect this has on the amount of money needed at visa renewal.

“We also helped interpret the Tier 4 and Tier 2 changes, which were both announced in March.”

Cynthia Barker added:

“The group said the information was very informative, especially the new student visa working rules which made many of them re­consider staying with private colleges.

“The implications of the new student visa and Tier 2 working visa rules have not yet been fully grasped by migrant workers and students and we hope that the seminar went some way to unravelling some of the guid­ance.”

CYNTHIA BARKER ADVISING STUDENT

This week the UK Border Agency has published its ‘Statement of Intent and Transitional Measures’ for the student visa changes announced by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, on 22 March. 

The document outlines details of the new guidance, effective 21 April 2011, and dates of implementation of other measures, including the new rules on student working hours. Source: Planet Philippines.

The UK Government hopes to ‘ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to sponsors’ recruitment plans and student decision making’. 

The first round of implementation, including interim measures, was started by laying changes to the Immigration Rules before Parliament on 31 March, which will come into effect on 21 April 2011. 

There will be further changes to the Immigration Rules taking effect in summer 2011, in April 2012 and by the end of 2012. 

UKBA publish Statement of Intent and Transitional Measures for Student Visas

Student visa changes now Law after being laid before Parliament today

UK student visa restrictions announced by Home Secretary

Post Study Work Visa to be abolished April 2012 as part of student visa clampdown

Universities UK welcome student visa action by Home Office

Cross party MPs warn student visa proposals could ‘cripple’ sector, BBC reports

If you would like more information on the University of Bedfordshire email joanna or call 0208 905 1822.

If you need any immigration advice or are worried about the new immigration rules or need help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa, ILR/Settlement, Citizenship, dependant visa or an appeal against a refusal please email: 

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk 

Bison UK are running special free student visa seminars to advise students on the new Tier 4 changes and their renewal options.

Charles Kelly, Deputy Mayor Sandra Parnell, Nicolae Pavel of Univ of Bedforshire

Many of the students have progressed to higher level management courses, such as Majestic’s CMI Business Management or L4 Leadership and Management, whilst some have obtained Tier 2 Sponsorship (Working Visa).

Majestic thanks everyone who helped make the graduation event a success including: Peps Villanueva (host), Deputy Mayor Cllr Sandra Parnell (pictured) for her inspiring welcome address, Nicolae Pavel from the University of Bedfordshire (pictured), the Majestic A1 Assessor scholars (pictured), Mark Wolfisz, all the staff, assessors and IV’s and Katrina Catapang who read the congratulatory message from the Philippine Embassy.

Majestic A1 Assessor Scholars

Majestic College NVQ Graduates

Majestic College got off to a great start in 2011 with over 100 successful NVQ students graduating in style at the official graduation ceremony held at Allum Hall, Elstree on 4 February 2011.

The event was attended by 200 people including Deputy Mayor Cllr Sandra Parnell, HSBC and the University of Bedfordshire.

Charles Kelly, Deputy Mayor Sandra Parnell, Nicolae Pavel of Univ of Bedforshire

Many of the students have progressed to higher level management courses, such as Majestic’s CMI Business Management or L4 Leadership and Management, whilst some have obtained Tier 2 Sponsorship (Working Visa).

Congratulations to all the hardworking Majestic College students!

Majestic students receive NVQ Certificates

Joy Quinto (with her assessor Elizabeth Dada and Charles Kelly) used her NVQ qualification as stepping stone to obtain a Canadian work permit and flew out to Canada after graduation

One of Majestic’s students, Joy Quinto, has used her qualification as a stepping stone to obtain a ‘Live in Caregiver’ Work Permit for Canada. Joy (pictured with her assessor Elizabeth Dada and Principal Charles Kelly) flew out to Toronto to start a new life in Canada. Under current Canadian immigration rules, she could be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) after just two years.

www.majesticcollege.org

This film follows the life of a student visa holder over 18 months of studying in the UK.

Gee, a student visa holder from the Philippines, starts off on an NVQ course in Customer Service and after graduation takes up a CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 management diploma with Majestic College.

http://www.majesticcollege.org

Majestic College NVQ graduates discuss their success at the official graduation ceremony held at Allum Hall, Elstree on 22nd October 2010.

The event was attended by 300 people including Deputy Mayor Cllr Sandra Parnell.

Many of the students have progressed to higher level management courses, such as Majestic’s CMI Business Management or L4 Leadership and Management, whilst some have obtained Tier 2 Sponsorship (Working Visa).

Congratulations to all the hardworking Majestic College students!

www.majesticcollege.org