Keeping you up to date with the latest developments on 'converting' the SHE NVQs into the new more flexilbe QCF qualifications.

Development of QCF Qualifications to replace the current National Vocational Qualifications at Levels 3,4 and 5 in Health, Safety and Environmental Management in the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries (the SHE NVQs)

The last date for candidates to register for the current SHE NVQs is 31^st March 2010, with the last date for achievement being 31^st March 2013. This cannot be extended as the Government has decided that all current NVQs must be replaced by new qualifications and appear in a new framework, the Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF).

Like NVQs QCF qualifications are made up of Units based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). However, whereas NVQ Units are directly based on the NOS Units, QCF Units look very different, they can be performance units or knowledge units (whereas NVQ Units must contain both knowledge and performance) and they can be combined more flexibly than NVQs.

A preliminary working group meeting was held at Yew Tree House, Alrewas to arrive at a basic overview of what QCF qualifications could replace the current NVQs.

The attached table was formulated at this meeting and shows how the current awards could be moved across onto the QCF framework in a format which would provide a greater flexibility for delivery and lead to further optional awards from the same units. They would also be a better guide to those preparing training courses.

As can be seen from the worksheet with the QCF format there would be a possibility of individual Health and Safety, Environmental and Management qualifications as well as the equivalent to the current full qualification

Column B shows the current NOS and NVQ Unit title

Column C shows proposed Health and Safety Units

Column D shows proposed Environmental Units

Column E shows proposed Management Units

In columns C,D,E Units in Black are performance units (that is, what someone must show they can do), whilst those in red are knowledge units.

Units would combine to form qualifications; suggested qualifications are shown in blue.

Please could you return any comments about the proposed units by 15/04/2009 to:-

David.hudson@mp-qc.co.uk

If you need any further information please contact David Hudson at:-

David.hudson@mp-qc.co.uk  and 07974 935723

or Andy Rotherham at:

Andy.rotherham@mpawards.co.uk and 07872 337089