QCF – England, N. Ireland & Wales

• Qualification (Quality)• of• Competence • for the• Future

The Background

SSA research identified that learners receiving “Occupation Specific” education/training in FE outstripped the sector’s requirements by 400% (NEVS)

Many learners completing a course would go into employment in the sector partly qualified and/or with an employer not operating to industry standards

Learner given a false sense of security Standards in, and reputation of, the sector devalued Level of “Sector Competence” not in keeping with non-UK

competitors

Our Aims

Deliver recruitment of new entrants (16 to 19 and 19+) to meet LMI forecasts 

Maximise retention of recruited new entrants  Maximise success rates and value for money –

positive outcomes for learners, public funding and the sector

Ensure provision of competence-based qualifications

No provision for the unemployed ???No VRQs (Knowledge-based qualifications)

New QCF qualifications have knowledge and performance units

Colleges can deliver stand alone knowledge units – these will not be a qualification

Development of a Level 1 Certificate (34 credits) and a Level 1 Diploma (45 Credits) – “Access to the Building Services Engineeering Sector” – Not competence-based

BACHs; AoC; NFEC; WAG

Section A – 5 mandatory units all at level 1

BSE L1 (4 credits)

Electrical L1 (5 credits)

Heating & Ventilating L1 (5 credits)

Plumbing L1 (5 credits)

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning L1 (5 credits)

Pathway A – 3 mandatory units at level 1 Pathway B – 3 mandatory units at level 2

Health & Safety L1 (5 credits) Health & Safety L2 (10 credits)

Environmental Awareness L1 (2 credits)

Environmental Awareness L2 (4 credits)

BSE Science L1 (3 credits) BSE Science L2 (7 credits)

Section A + Pathway A – overall credit value = 34 (certificate)

Section A + Pathway B – overall credit value = 45 (Diploma)

Building Services Engineering Access (pre-employment) Qualification Structure

The Timing

Agreed with the AOs – May/June accreditation Agreement with AOs to release qualification/unit titles

and summary of content a.s.a.p. – centre preparation: the content is very similar to existing qualifications (VRQs & NVQs)

C&G and EAL Workshops May/June – Electrical and MES

The “Access Qualification” is in the review process Funding

Existing Worker Assessment Schemes

The assessment requirements for the new QCF

competence-based qualifications will accommodate for

such schemes as; SNAP(SummitSkills National Assessment

Programme) Electrotechical Competence Recognition

using “Recognition of Prior Learning” principles and

The criteria for exemption and equivalence.

The Support for our position and principles

Employers & Stakeholders – The SSA

JIB; UNITE; ECA

LSC/SFA

Dpt. for Children, Schools and Families

Re-affirmed by the Board 4 March 2010

LEVEL 3 NVQ DIPLOMA in INSTALLING ELECTROTECHNICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

Buildings & Structures – Units• Understanding Health and Safety legislation and working practices

(Electrotechnical Services) >>> Performance

• Understanding environmental legislation, working practices and principles (Electrotechnical Services) >>> Performance

• Understanding the practices and procedures for overseeing and organising the work environment >>> Performance

• Understanding the practices and procedures for planning, preparing and installing of electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structures >>> Performance

Units continued

• Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and flexible cords in electrical systems >>> Performance

• Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the Inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structure >>> Performance

• Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrical systems and equipment in buildings and structure >>> Performance

Units continued

• Understanding the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems – No Performance

• Understanding the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems – No Performance

• Electrotechnical Occupational Competence – No Knowledge

THE LEVEL 2 ISSUE

• Level 2 NVQ INSTALLING & ENSURING COMPLIANCE OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WORK IN DWELLINGS

• The Joint Industry Board for the Electrical Contracting Industry has no evidence of demand from the industry for a Level 2 apprentice qualification. The nature of the technology and in particular its safety-critical aspect requires a Level 3 qualification and Level 2 would not be appropriate.’