subject: Achieving An Nvq Should Be A Satisfying And Enjoyable Experience, Not A Chore! [print this page] Many people still labour under the misconception that achieving an NVQ, including the new QCF awards, involves producing a huge paper-based portfolio of documentary evidence and spending hours organising this.
Having worked on the development and implementation of NVQs since their inception in the UK and on similar systems elsewhere in the world, it is always satisfying to see the look of relief on someones face when I tell them that this is not necessary.
NVQs and the new QCF awards are, and have always been vocational and competence-based. This means that achieving the award simply requires demonstration of work (vocational) that meets the required standards of performance (competences).
Evidence of competence is produced every day by those in work. The types of evidence needed to complete an NVQ include;
Documents those normally produced in work faxes, emails, database records, notes, minutes of meetings, invoices whatever is everyday work
Observation this is undertaken by a qualified assessor our assessors visit individuals in the workplace, observe normal work and produce a written report
Questioning again a qualified assessor asks pertinent questions and records the outcomes
Witness testimony this could be confirmatory emails from managers, customers, colleagues that confirm work to the required standard, or more formal supporting written statements.
Standards of performance are in two forms the competences describe what someone must be able to DO and are evidenced as above.
The other part of standards is always listed as knowledge and understanding. Many people believe that to evidence this, it is necessary to write case studies, or in some cases what amounts to almost a thesis! I have even seen example portfolios where people have produced written copies of policies and practice. None of this is necessary. The important aspect of assessment for NVQs is that the APPLICATION of knowledge and understanding can be evidenced. Competence is not just about being able to Do things, it is about doing them in the right way, in line with policies and procedures.
Our assessors use questioning and discussion to obtain this evidence. At times, it will also be obvious that someone knows how to do work correctly through observation. We do not ask our candidates to write essays. The standards of performance do not ask for this, they ask for actual work performance, performed consistently over time.
As with our candidates in the UK, our work with ex-pats who want to achieve an NVQ or develop their career with the next stage of awards, supports this development through workplace visits and telephone/email support. Assessors work collaboratively to support individuals in this achievement and provide detailed reports and action plans to ensure the process is both enjoyable and successful.
Achieving an NVQ should be a satisfying and enjoyable experience, not a chore!
