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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BTEC First Diploma
The BTEC First Diploma in Engineering (Manufacturing) prepares learners for employment in the engineering sector or to progress to further education vocational qualifications.
Units include Preparing and Controlling Engineering Manufacturing Operations and Production Planning Techniques.
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BTEC National
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three part-time and will qualify you as an Engineering Technician.
You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments and project work. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
Manufacturing Engineering gives a background to the commercial aspects of the manufacturing industry as well as manufacturing planning and quality systems.
If your results are good, you can go straight on to an honours degree course - otherwise via a Foundation degree or HND.
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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
The Open University offers undergraduate courses in Engineering
www.open.ac.uk which can be taken while you are working
A one year
Foundation course in Science would help those who have not taken science subjects
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Masters Degree
It might be possible to change to a recognised four or five year MEng course in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering at level 7 but if your BTEC results are very good, you could be accepted onto an MEng course straight away.
This is an integrated Masters programme designed for high achievers and is broader and deeper than a corresponding BEng. Courses often include extended work placements.
With further work experience and training, you can register for Chartered Chemical Engineer status (CEng).
This involves an ongoing commitment to Professional Development.