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
Marine Engineering ApprenticeshipThe 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 (EAL Award), for example in Engineering Maintenance & Installation or Performing Engineering Operations
- Key skills at Levels 1 and 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Technical Certificate - also at level 2 - provides the background knowledge to the NVQ – relevant courses include the C&G Certificate in Engineering Maintenance or Certificate in Boat Production and Maintenance
or the BTEC First Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukor the BMF site
www.britishmarine.co.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 Marine Apprenticeships are at Level 3
Programme:
- NVQ level 3 (EAL Award), for example in Marine Engineering, Engineering Maintenance or Boatbuilding & Maintenance
- Key skills at level 2 including the Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Technical Certificate at level 3 such as the Edexcel BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or EAL Advanced Diploma in Engineering and Technology or C&G Certificate in Boat Production, Maintenance and Support
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
Courses in
Marine Engineering are available in the South East
For further details search the courses database at
www.ucas.ac.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Honours degree
There are BEng courses in Marine Engineering or related subjects such as Marine Technology or Ship Science. Some universities offer combined courses such as Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Following some initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience you can register for a professional review interview to achieve
Incorporated Marine 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