Development of QCF Qualifications to replace the current National Vocational Qualifications at Levels 3,4 and 5 in Health, Safety and Environmental Management in the Extractive and Minerals Processing Industries (the SHE NVQs)

Like NVQs QCF qualifications are made up of Units based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). However, whereas NVQ Units are directly based on the NOS Units, QCF Units look very different, they can be performance units or knowledge units (whereas NVQ Units must contain both knowledge and performance) and they can be combined more flexibly than NVQs.

A preliminary working group meeting was held at Yew Tree House, Alrewas to arrive at a basic overview of what QCF qualifications could replace the current NVQs.

The attached table was formulated at this meeting and shows how the current awards could be moved across onto the QCF framework in a format which would provide a greater flexibility for delivery and lead to further optional awards from the same units. They would also be a better guide to those preparing training courses.

As can be seen from the worksheet with the QCF format there would be a possibility of individual Health and Safety, Environmental and Management qualifications as well as the equivalent to the current full qualification

Column A shows proposed Health and Safety Units
Column B shows proposed Environmental Units
Column C shows proposed Management Units
Column D shows the combination of Units that in the QCF will be the equivalent of the NVQ it will replace.

The Units in Black are performance units (that is, what someone must show they can do), whilst those in red are knowledge units.

The Health and Safety and Environmental Units could all be qualifications in their own right. This will give opportunities for those who currently do not have responsibilities meeting the whole requirements of the NVQ. It will also be easier for individuals to progress at their own pace and receive credit as they progress.

The management units would not be separate qualifications, but would need to be achieved to gain the full NVQ equivalent.

The types of evidence and the methods of assessment will not change for the QCF: only the referencing to the Awards will differ.

The proposal was circulated widely throughout the industry and to current Assessment Centres. It was enthusiastically received. Consequently work has now begun to develop the Units, which will be circulated and approved before submission

If you have any comments to make on this development, please contact Roseanne Hayward on roseanne.hayward@mpawards.co.uk