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 Vocational GCSE such as Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs, or an art based subject. Good grades in Maths, Science and English are important.
You may get the chance to take an NVQ level 1 in Beauty Therapy while you are still at school.
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NVQ 2
An Apprenticeship in Nail Services is a mix of study and direct work experience in a salon
This is a work based training programme offering paid employment while you learn and involves day release at a college or with a training provider
The programme includes:
- NVQ Level 2 in Nail Services.
- Key skills at Level 1 including the Application of Number and Communication (IT is optional)
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities including Health and Safety
Successful Apprentices can become Junior Nail Technicians.
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
For more information on the Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.habia.org
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NVQ 3
An
Advanced Apprenticeship in
Nail Services is also work based in a salon, and builds on the Level 2 work through off the job training at college or with a training provider.
The programme includes:
- NVQ Level 3 in Nail Services.
- Key skills at Level 2 including the Application of Number and Communication (ICT Level 1 optional)
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities including Health and Safety
NVQ level 3 will qualify you as a Nail Technician able to offer the full range of services and nail art.
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
For more information on the Apprenticeship Framework visit
www.habia.org
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ level 4
You could continue working towards higher level NVQs while you are employed as these are assessed in the workplace. NVQs in Management would be useful if you are interested in managing a team, or running your own salon.
The ILM NVQ Level 4
www.i-l-m.com in
Management is aimed at middle managers with responsibility for general business operations and a team of staff.
Successful candidates are eligible to apply for ILM Member status (
MInstLM).
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NVQ level 5
The ILM Level 5 NVQ in Management is for senior managers in larger organisations who are responsible for deploying resources and achieving strategic goals. The NVQ assesses knowledge and understanding the management role as well as improving personal effectiveness.
An alternative is the Diploma in Leadership Mentoring and Executive Coaching