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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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 Engineering or Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs. Maths will be important.
You may get the chance to take an engineering Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ level 1 while you are still at school.
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NVQ Level 2
An
Apprenticeship in the
Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Petro-Chemical Manufacturing and Refining Industries is a mix of study and direct work experience.
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 Cogent
www.cogent-ssc.com and includes:
NVQ level 2 depending on your field of employment, for example in
- Process Operations
- Process Engineering Maintenance
- Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities
Key skills at level 1 - the Application of Number and Communication
Employment rights and responsibilities
For more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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City & Guilds Level 3
The Advanced Apprenticeship
Technical Certificate provides the underpinning knowledge for the NVQ.
The Advanced Apprenticeship framework has different options.
The City & Guilds Certificate in
Process Technology which has different pathways, and optional supplementary units such as Maths for higher education for those wanting to go on to a Foundation degree.
Alternative Technical certificates are:
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science (Laboratory and Industrial Science)
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering
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Foundation Degree
You could go on to study for a Foundation Degree full-time, or part-time or sometimes by distance learning if you have a job.
A Foundation Degree course will give you specialist engineering 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 in
Life Science and
Laboratory Technologies and Bio Manufacturing.
With further learning and professional development you can apply to become an
Incorporated Engineer.
If you want to progress further you may be able to transfer into the second or third year of a related BEng or BSc honours degree course – ask individual institutions about their entry requirements.
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Honours Degree
BEng in
Chemical Engineering and related degrees such as
Biochemical Engineering and
Pharmaceutical Science. Several universities offer sandwich courses where you can get extended industrial experience.
Following some initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience you can register for a professional review interview to achieve
Incorporated Chemical Engineer status (IEng).
This involves an ongoing commitment to Professional Development.
Search
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.whynotchemeng.com for degree courses
A one year
Foundation course in Science would help those who have not taken science subjects
The Open University offers undergraduate courses in Engineering
www.open.ac.uk which can be taken while you are working
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Masters Degree
The Royal Society of Chemistry offers a distance learning MSc programme in
Chemical Technology and Management, suitable for those in full time employment in manufacturing and business management roles in the chemical, pharmaceutical and process industries.
www.rsc.org
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NVQ Level 3
The
Advanced Apprenticeship allows you to continue your studies while in employment. It includes on and off the job training and assessment
The Advanced Apprenticeship Framework is set down by Cogent
www.cogent-ssc.com and includes:
NVQ level 3 depending on your field of employment, for example in
- Refinery Field Operations
- Process operations
- Process engineering maintenance
- Laboratory and associated technical activities
Key skills at level 2 - the Application of Number and Communication
Technical Certificate at Level 3 (City & Guilds or BTEC)
Employment Rights and responsibilitiesJob opportunities following a successful Advanced Apprenticeship include
- Operations Technicians
- Maintenance Technicians
- Laboratory Technicians