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
NVQ level 2
NVQ Level 2 in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations (1242) from City & Guilds*
www.city-and-guilds.co.uk builds on Level 1 and looks at issues such as product quality.
*City & Guilds is developing a new suite of qualifications for the Food and drinks industry to be launched in autumn 2007An
Apprenticeship in Food Manufacture (new for 2007) is a mix of study and direct work experience and covers several different areas of food manufacture including Bakery and Production Control Skills.
Apprentices are normally employed and receive a wage. The employer provides the work based training element of the programme, with day release at a college or with a training provider.
The Apprenticeship Framework is set down by Improve
www.improveltd.co.uk and is currently out for consultation. The proposed framework includes:
NVQ Level 2 depending on your field of employment, for example in
Production Control SkillsKey skills at level 1 - the Application of Number and Communication
Food Safety for Manufacturing Award
Employment rights and responsibilities
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
NVQ level 3
NVQ Level 3 in
Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations (1242) from City & Guilds*
www.city-and-guilds.co.uk builds on Level 2. At this level learners are likely to have some supervisory duties.
*City & Guilds is developing a new suite of qualifications for the Food and drinks industry to be launched in autumn 2007The
Advanced Apprenticeship in Food Manufacture allows you to continue your studies while in employment. It includes on and off the job training and assessment.
The new Advanced Apprenticeship Framework is set down by Improve
www.improveltd.co.uk and is currently in development. It currently includes:
- NVQ Level 3 depending on your field of employment, for example in Specialist Technical Skills or Specialist Improvement Skills
- Key skills at level 2 - the Application of Number and Communication
- Food safety supervision in manufacturing Award (Level 3)
- Employment rights and responsibilities