2010 sees the introduction of the QCF. This stands for Qualifications and Credit Framework, and is the new structure being introduced to replace the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or what is currently known as NVQ’s and Diplomas. The roll out of this has already begun across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The aim is to have all vocational qualifications accredited to the QCF by the end of the year.
So, you might ask, why is this happening? Well vocational qualifications are becoming an increasingly popular route to learning and developing. In order to maximise on this and respond to what both employers and learners want out of a qualification the QCF pathway is being introduced. The purpose of this change is to provide a more flexible approach and choice to gaining a full qualification with a credit award system. It will still recognise and reward individual’s skills and achievements, but will ultimately support and benefit both the learner and employer in the delivery of relevant learning.
It will achieve this by breaking the learning process down into smaller steps allowing knowledge to be built up bit by bit. Qualifications will be tailored to meet the needs of the industry each individual works within. And most importantly all work based training will be to a nationally recognised standard.
Based on this new structure the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) believes that the QCF pathway delivers a competence based qualification and therefore no longer sees the need for NVQ qualifications. Consequently as of July 2010 all NVQ’s will end.
This change will only affect those new to learning. Those who are already studying under the NVQ or Diploma pathway prior to July 2010 will continue to finish their studies along this route.
