An NVQ is a work-based qualification in that it recognises the skills and knowledge of a person to be doing a particular job. You can take an NVQ across a range of 1,000+ subjects, from plumbing to office work.
NVQ is an acronym for National Vocational Qualification; this is a recognised British qualification that shows a person has the right skills, technical and practical to do the job. It is the equivalent of the Scottish Vocational Qualifications, the SVQ.
There are five levels to an NVQ, and a person can start at any level and at any age. However, to take a Level 3 NVQ programme, you may need to show you have achieved the Level 2 NVQ standard or take that assessment.
NVQ – How Long Does It Take To Get?
It varies from person to person and the type of job being done. You can do an NVQ at college or school as long as you have a practical placement. The NVQ and the SVQ are work-based awards achieved by training and assessment. You can undertake an NVQ in several ways,
- At school or college
- In the workplace, as a part-time worker wanting to gain a specific skill
- In the workplace, as a full-time employee
- As part of an apprenticeship.
- The Open University also offers NVQs.
While there is no set timetable, it takes a person, on average, about one year to complete NVQ levels 1, 2 or 3. You will have to have workplace assessments, a work portfolio, and viewed evaluations. The portfolio is your evidence that you have done the work and achieved a level of competence. Your assessment generally involves an assessor attending your workplace and signing off that you can do the required tasks to the expected level. The levels of competence you need to reach are based on the national standards for the particular job you want to qualify for.
What Subjects Can I Get AN NVQ In?
Too many subjects to list on this blog. The following are the most popular, and you enter for the NVQ at different levels.
- Building & construction
- Warehousing & distribution
- Engineering, manufacturing
- Transportation operations & maintenance
- Marketing, sales, administration & business management
- Media & communication
- Science, horticulture, animal care & veterinary science
- Sport, leisure & recreation
- Travel & Tourism
- Hospitality & catering
- Service enterprises
- Language, literature & culture
- Health & social care
- Public services & child development
- Crafts, creative arts & design
How We At CPN Training Can Help You
At CPN Training, we support workers from several industries to meet and improve their potential in the workplace. AT CPN, we specialise in NVQ’s Level 2 to 5 for various sectors, including;
- Construction
- Plant operations
- Utilities
- Marine
- Lifting industry.
Our NVQ training in construction will help you obtain a red card—for a trained operator—progressing to the blue card—competent operator. These cards are issued in line with government strategy and requirements determined by the CLC – Construction Leadership Council.
Our experienced team are there to guide and support you throughout the NVQ process. We know studying can be challenging, especially when working full-time, but we can help you—we promise!
