NVQ

What are NVQ`s

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ`s) are work related competence based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge required to do a job effectively. Completing an NVQ shows that a candidate is competent in a particualr area of work – for example Health and Social Care. NVQ`s are nationally recognised and are portable from job to job.

NVQ`s are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) – for more information on NOS then visit the section in this website entitled DANOS in the RESOURCES section or CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE NOS in the CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLES section.

NVQ`s can be completed by full time employees or by school or college students who are completing a relevant placement or a part time job. There are no age limits or special entry requirements and they do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time.

How do you complete an NVQ?

NVQ`s are achieved through on the job assessment backed up by training.

Candidates are assessed through observation at their place of work and questioning. Candidates produce a portfolio of evidence to prove they are competent in the area being assessed.

When a new candidate starts an NVQ their assessor will support them to identify what they can already do, agree what level they can achieve, agree what they need to learn and the best way for them to do this.

The system is a very flexible one and should suit most learners and can accomodate different learning styles.

Why would I want to do an NVQ?

  • It is a nationally recognised qualification that you will find is portable around different organisaitions and within the social care field. It will help when preparing for job applications and interviews as you will be able to `prove` that you are competent in certain areas of your work.

  • You will gain confidence in the work that you are doing and can identify areas for futrue development and learning required.

  • It is a validaiton of what you have achieved to date in your career.

  • Financial gain – it may enable you to move on to better paid work or move in to paid work if you are a volunteer.

    • NVQ`s for the Substance Misuse field

    There are specific NVQ’s for people working in the substance misuse field, which are available from the City of Bristol College. These are:-

  • NVQ Level 3 Award in Working with Substance Misuse

  • NVQ Level 3 Certificate in Working with Substance Misuse

  • NVQ Level 4 Award in Working with Substance Misuse

  • NVQ Level 4 Certificate in Working with Substance Misuse

    • There are general NVQ’s that have relevant units for people working within the substance misuse field. These are:-

  • NVQ in Health and Social Care

  • NVQ in Community Justice

  • NVQ in Health

  • NVQ in Working with Offender Behaviour

    • NVQ`s available in the partnership area

    The following colleges provide NVQ`s in BANES, Bristol and Gloucestershire.

    City of Bath College
    Norton Radstock College
    City of Bristol College
    Gloucestershire College

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