The Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) being introduced throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland is intended to make the national qualifications system simpler to understand and use and offers employers and learners greater choice to access the right qualifications for their needs.

Also, it gives employers the opportunity to get their high quality in-house training nationally accredited. Already in the sector a number of employers are being supported to access nationally recognised certification of their specific training provisions.

The new QCF qualifications for the Glass and Related Industries are currently being rolled out by GQA Qualifications.

Although numerous NVQ qualifications have been updated it doesn't mean an immediate end to them in the sense of recognition. Previous NVQ qualification achievements are still valid and recognisable and anyone currently registered for a GQA qualification has a time frame of at least 2 years in which to complete that qualification. Indeed some existing NVQ qualifications will remain in the current qualification framework until they reach their last registration date in December 2010. But if a new QCF equivalent is in place, that will be more likely to be approved for government funding, rather than the 'older/established' version.

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New QCF qualifications that are recognised as the equivalent of NVQ's (but within the QCF Framework) can recognise the difference between specialism’s via different qualifications e.g. the equivalents to the established Fenestration Installation Level 2 NVQ provides a qualification for Installers of windows, doors and conservatories and offers a separate qualification for Curtain Walling installers.

All this, means a system where individual needs are met within the context of the business therefore helping provide a much more focussed career path and helping employers identify the unique skill set of their employees.

The Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) has worked closely with Proskills (the Sector Skills Council) in converting national occupational standards to the new qualification format. GQA was one of the first Awarding Body’s to have been accredited by Ofqual to submit and award the new QCF qualifications. GQA has run numerous free QCF workshops aimed at helping ensure the readiness of Approved Centres to incorporate new GQA QCF qualifications into their provision i.e. to gradually replace National Qualifications Framework qualifications, with QCF qualifications over the next two years.

Those employers/craftsmen who utilise the CSCS card system will be relieved to hear that CSCS will accept the new relevant GQA glass related QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) qualifications, providing they have NVQ in their title. To ensure that this is the case GQA Qualifications has integrated 'NVQ' into the title of each of its competence based QCF qualifications.

For more information on traditional and new glass and related occupations NVQ qualifications contact GQA via [email protected] or telephone 01142 720033

(CD/KMcA)