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.
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BTEC Introductory
A BTEC Introductory gives a broad overview of the Construction industry and possible career areas
The Construction course includes an optional unit on Developing Building Service Skills - the craft skills required to position and secure plumbing, ductwork and electrical components
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NVQ level 2
An Apprenticeship in
HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) is a mix of study and direct work experience
This is a work based training programme offering paid employment while you learn.
Programme:
- NVQ Level 2, for example in Heating and Ventilation installation or H&V: Maintenance of system components
- Key skills at Levels 1 and 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- The Technical Certificate - also at level 2 - provides the background knowledge to the NVQ – relevant courses include the Certificate in Heating and Ventilation Installation or Certificate in Small commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk For more information on the approved Technical Certificates and the Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.summitskills.org.uk Successful Apprentices are competent HVAC&R
Operatives
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NVQ level 3
The
Advanced Apprenticeship in HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) allows you to continue your studies to Level 3, hopefully with the same employer. 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 in MES Heating and Ventilation installation or H&V: Rectification of systems
- Key skills at level 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- The Technical Certificate - also at level 3 - provides the background knowledge to the NVQ – relevant courses include the Certificate in Heating and Ventilation Installation or Certificate in Complex commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems
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 could also go on to take a part time Foundation degree, ideally sponsored by your employer
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Foundation degree
You can study for a Foundation Degree part time if you have a job, or full time.
A Foundation Degree course will give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
Use the course searches at
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk to find courses such as
Building Services or
ConstructionIf you want to progress further, a Foundation degree can be converted into an honours degree by transferring into the second or third year of a related degree course (such as
BSc (Hons) Built Environment) – ask individual universities and colleges about their entry requirements.
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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
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Entry level
Entry level qualifications offer a starting point on the National Qualifications Framework. You can then progress to level 1 qualifications.
The BTEC Certificate in Skills for Working Life (for example, the Practical Skills Pathway) is sometimes offered to post 14 students in schools and colleges. It includes Health & Safety and an introduction to a range of construction skills such as metalwork.