Qualification Levels
There are eight qualification levels and an entry level in the National Qualification Framework.
The levels shown opposite illustrate the qualification from the National Qualification Framework and the corresponding framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
In addition to the qualifications illustrated there is a wide variety of other vocational qualifications e.g. in IT there are qualifications offered by Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco which can be used to complement qualifcations from the framework.
In many cases it is possible to get in-work training in such qualifications.
Entry Level
Entry level qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision. Learning at this level is about activities which mostly relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence.
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications recognise the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work or study, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and is appropriate for many job roles.
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications recognise the ability to gain, and where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is appropriate for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.
Level 4
Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others. Level 4 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.
Level 5
Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge, a high level of work expertise in job roles and competence in managing and training others. Qualifications at this level are appropriate for people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers. Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate Higher Education qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education, Foundation and other degrees that do not typically provide access to postgraduate programmes.
Level 6
Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Bachelors degrees with honours, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.
Level 7
Level 7 qualifications recognise highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high level specialist professional knowledge and is appropriate for senior professionals and managers. Level 7 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas.
Level 8
Level 8 qualifications recognise leading experts or practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
GCSE Grades A* - C
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Good grades in Maths, English and Science are important.
You could take a Vocational GCSE such as Engineering or Applied Science or Construction & the Built Environment alongside more general GCSEs. Design & Technology and IT would be useful too.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
BTEC National
BTEC National Certificate in Building Services Engineering is part of the Advanced Apprenticeship framework
Core units cover Construction science and materials and there are optional units for all the major areas of Building Services Engineering including heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical installation
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
HNC/HND
Part time CIBSE accredited HNC courses in
Building Services Engineering are available in London and the South East.
Some courses specialize in areas such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning or Electrical Installation
For further details search the courses database at
www.ucas.ac.ukHNC/HND qualifications can give you entry into year 2 or 3 of a related honours degree course
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Honours degree
There are BSc or BEng courses in
Building Services EngineeringFollowing some initial professional development, including practical training and professional experience you can achieve
Incorporated Engineer status (IEng) through the Engineering Council UK
This involves an ongoing commitment to Professional Development which may be sponsored by your employer.
Other degree subjects such as
Maths, Physics or Chemistry may be eligible for IEng status as long as you have experience in Building Services Engineering.
Search for relevant degree courses on
www.ucas.ac.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ level 3
The
Advanced Apprenticeship for
Building Services Engineering Technicians allows you to continue your studies while in employment. It includes on and off the job training and assessment
The Apprenticeship Framework is set down by SummitSkills
www.summitskills.org.uk
- NVQ level 3 for example in Building Services Engineering Technology and Project Management
- Key skills at level 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Technical certificate BTEC National Certificate in Building Services Engineering
For more information on Advanced Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukThe Advanced Apprenticeship contributes to professional recognition as an
Engineering Technician with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
www.cibse.org and the Institution of Engineering and Technology
www.theiet.orgYou can also go on to part time higher education, ideally sponsored by your employer