NVQ's for Support Staff
Staff Development would like to congratulate Debbie Byford, Broadstairs Campus Events Co-ordinator, who was awarded the NVQ Outstanding Student award from Thanet College for her Level 3 in Business Administration.
Debbie (seen here on the right at the awards ceremony in December 2010), was praised by Thanet College as "one of the most enthusiastic and motivated candidates they have ever worked with."
Christ Church offers NVQ's as follows:
- Business Administration
- Customer Service
- Hospitality
- Team Leading
FAQ's and how to apply for NVQ's at CCCU
1. What are NVQ's?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. NVQ's are based on agreed standards of performance relevant to that vocational area - more information can be found in NVQ booklets located in the Staff Development Office.
Key points to note are that NVQ's are:
- Arranged in levels – 1 to 5
- Structured in units
- Based on the notion of competence i.e. ability to do the job; they are not a training route
- Ability to do the job means you have :
- Skills to do the job
- Understanding of what is needed and why
2. How would the programme be structured?
Candidates will be encouraged to join a NVQ programme at a specific time of the year. This will be announced by a programme launch followed by an induction session.
Staff will be encouraged to attend a one hour meeting approximately once a month at the beginning of each unit to discuss portfolios, evidence and share best practice. Following this, the NVQ is followed by the candidate at their own pace and within their own workplace, supported by the course assessor.
3. How long will it take me to complete?
The length of time to complete depends on the individual involved. About 1 year is average but it can be quicker or slower if you need it to be.
4. How much time will be needed from me to complete the NVQ?
In conjunction with the hourly workshops, about 1 hour per week on average should be sufficient to keep progress on track.
5. How do I apply ?
Please click here to download an application form which you and your line manager need to complete stating why you wish to do the course and why it will be of benefit to you, the department and the University. Return the form to us and we will contact you shortly after to confirm if you have a place or not and when your induction session will be.
6. Assessment
NVQ's are achieved by a process of assessment, carried out at work with a qualified assessor when the candidate is prepared and ready to be assessed. It is not a formal process carried out under assessment conditions but rather a judgement by the assessor of whether a candidate is fully competent in all areas or not. If not, then the assessor agrees with the candidate what further work needs to be done and how.
Assessment must be :
- at a mutually agreed time
- about success not failure
- about fairness, consistency, quality and accuracy
- monitored by internal verifier
7. About units
NVQ's have no end exam so are structured in units to measure on-going progress. Each unit covers a general area of work:
e.g. - Maintain effective working relationships
General areas then broken down further to more specific areas
e.g. - Maintain effective working relationships, broken down into:
- Work effectively with other people
- Contribute to the improving of work of your team
- Jointly plan and carry out work with other people
Units can be :
- individually certificated
- transferred to other NVQ's
For a more detailed breakdown of the units which make up the Customer Service and Business Administration qualifications, or for any other queries or concerns please contact Staff Development Office on ext: 2746
Level Statements - NVQ LEVELS
Important point is that candidate enters at most appropriate level for them.
Level 1
Basic and routine work, little autonomy
Level 2
Craft level, involving a range of activity with some complexity and
autonomy
Level 3
Advanced craft or skill level OR supervisory with considerable
responsibility and autonomy
Level 4
Managerial or complex technical work involving a substantial level of
autonomy and responsibility
