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 D-G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations
You could take a technology subject or Vocational GCSE such as Engineering or Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs. Maths and English will be important.
You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ level 1 while you are still at school.
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NVQ Level 2
Engineering Apprenticeship The Engineering Apprenticeship programme is a mix of study and direct work experience.
Apprentices are either employed and receive a wage, or based with a training provider and receive a training allowance. In either case an employer provides the work based training element of the programme.
Programme:
- NVQ Level 2, for example in Performing Engineering Operations or Mechanical Engineering
- Key skills at Levels 1 and 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Technical Certificate - provides the background knowledge to the NVQ – relevant courses include the C&G Certificate in Automotive Vehicle Servicing and Repair and the BTEC First Diploma in Vehicle Service and Technology
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukFor more information on the approved Technical Certificates and the Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.semta.org.ukQualified Apprentices achieve
Operator status.
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NVQ level 3
Advanced Apprenticeships are at Level 3
Programme:
- NVQ level 3, for example Automotive Engineering
- Key skills at level 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Technical Certificate at level 3 such as C & G Automotive Vehicle Servicing and Repair or the Edexcel National Certificate or Diploma in Vehicle Repair and Technology
For more information on Advanced Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukFor more information on the approved Technical Certificates and the Advanced Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.semta.org.ukQualified Advanced Apprentices achieve
Craftsperson status.
With further experience and initial professional development you can apply for
Engineering Technician status (EngTech)
You can also go on to higher education, for example an HND.
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HNC/HND
HNC/HND qualifications can give you entry into year 2 or 3 of an honours degree course
A few courses in
Automotive Engineering and
Motorsports Engineering are available in the South East
For further details search the courses database at
www.ucas.ac.uk
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Honours degree
There are BSc and BEng courses in
Automotive Engineering or
Motorsport Technology.
You may find courses where you have the chance to study a second subject such as Electronics or Business Studies.
Following some initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience you can achieve
Incorporated Engineer status (IEng)
This involves an ongoing commitment to Professional Development which may be sponsored by your employer
Search for relevant degree courses on
www.ucas.ac.uk
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Masters degree
Taught MSc degrees are on offer in vocational areas related to
Automotive Engineering – they are generally a mix of theoretical, management and practical skills and involve individual projects related to real world problems.
They can be taken full time or part time while working.
Full and part time Masters courses are available in the South East in
Automotive and Motorsport Engineering and Automotive Refinement. Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find more details
The Open University offers an
MEng (Postgraduate) degree which fulfils the educational requirements for
Chartered Engineer status (CEng)If you are interested in management, the OU also offers an MBA in Technology Management
www.open.ac.uk