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.
Maths, English and Science are important, and you could take a Vocational GCSE such as Applied Art and Design or Manufacturing alongside.
Design & Technology (Resistant materials) and IT would be useful too.
You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ Level 1 in Performing Manufacturing Operations while you are still at school.
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NVQ level 2
NVQ Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations can be taken while working in a manufacturing company. It covers manufacturing processes common to a wide range of industries and sectors and is suitable for operators engaged in production processes.
You can also get an NVQ level 2 qualification through an
Apprenticeship in Industrial Applications. 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 programme involves:
- NVQ Level 2 - Performing Manufacturing Operations
- Key skills at level 1 - Application of Number, Communication and IT
- Employment rights and responsibilities
Successful Apprentices are qualified as trained operator/semi-skilled status within the industry, and will give you an insight into product design and manufacturing.
The Apprenticeship Framework is set down by SEMTA
www.semta.org.ukFor more information on Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
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NVQ level 3
You can work towards further qualifications while you are working in a manufacturing company by studying for an NVQ Level 3 such as
Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering. NVQs are assessed in the workplace.
You can also study for NVQ level 3 through an Advanced Apprenticeship related to the sector in which you are working.
Advanced 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.
You will be able to improve your Key Skills and learn about Employment rights and responsibilities.
For more information on Advanced Apprenticeships visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukFor more information on approved Technical Certificates and Advanced Apprenticeship Frameworks visit
www.semta.org or
www.proskills.co.ukWith further experience and initial professional development you can apply for
Engineering Technician status (EngTech).
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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 manufacturing 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 such as:
- Product Design
- Spatial Design
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
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
A large number of different of Honours degree courses in the South East relate to product design, including:
- Product design and Innovation
- Product design
- Product design: sustainable futures
- Product design and marketing
- Contemporary Furniture & Related Product Design
- Sports product design
- Computer aided product design
- Design engineering
- Industrial design
Several universities offer sandwich courses where you can get extended industry experience.
Some product designers take Engineering courses such as materials, mechanical, electrical or civil engineering and specialise later.
Search
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.scenta.co.uk for degree courses
The Open University offers more general undergraduate courses in
Technology www.open.ac.uk which can be taken while you are working.