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 FOR:
GCSE Grades D - G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take a GCSE such as Leisure and Tourism or Physical Education alongside more general subjects.
Maths, English and Science are all important.
You may get the chance to take some sports qualifications while still at school
Local links
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS FOR:
NVQ 2
The
Active Leisure and Learning Apprenticeship is a structured training programme for young people in employment in the leisure industry.
The Programme is on the job training with a mix of self-study materials, industry workshops (day release), regular assessment and monitoring visits.
There are several different pathways.
The
Outdoors Pathway includes:
- NVQ Level 2 in Operational Services or Activity Leadership
- Technical certificates at Level 2 such as 1st4Sport Certificate in Working in the outdoors, the NCFE Certificate in Personal development for the outdoor industry or City & Guilds Diploma in Sport and Leisure
- Key skills level 1 in Communication and Application of number
For more information on the Active Leisure and Learning Apprenticeship visit
www.skillsactive.com For more information on Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukLocal links
You can find out what Apprenticeships are available in the South East by visiting VT Careers Management website www.vtis.com
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS FOR:
NVQ 3
The
Active Leisure and Learning Advanced Apprenticeship builds on the level 2 work.
The Programme is also on the job training with a mix of self-study materials, industry workshops (day release), regular assessment and monitoring visits.
The
Outdoors Pathway includes:
- NVQ Level 3 in Outdoor programmes (Education, Development, Training or Recreation)
- Technical certificates at Level 3 such as Active IQ or 1st4Sport Certificates in Industry and Organisational awareness for the active leisure and learning industry or City & Guilds Sport and Recreation Progression Award
- Key skills level 2 in Communication and Application of number
For more information on the Active Leisure and Learning Advanced Apprenticeship visit
www.skillsactive.com For more information on Advanced Apprenticeships generally visit
www.apprenticeships.org.ukLocal links
You can find out what Apprenticeships are available in the South East by visiting VT Careers Management website www.vtis.com
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS FOR:
HNC/HND
HND courses such as
Sports and Exercise Sciences involve analysis, research, and psychology. This is work-related study that covering the knowledge and practical skills required in the sports sector.
You may get the chance to take other vocational qualifications as part of the course.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
It might also be possible to progress to the later stages of an honours degree in an appropriate subject.
Local links
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS FOR:
Honours degree
There are a few specific degree courses for Outdoor activities, but other subjects such as Environmental Science, Psychology or Sport would provide a good foundation. Degree courses with a business element could also be helpful especially if you are considering self employment.Specific courses in the South East include:
- Outdoor adventure management
- Tourism management with outdoor adventure
- Water sports science
Whatever your degree, you will need to keep up your sporting and adventure activities at university.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
Local links
want to start earning at 16