Is an nvq a pointless qualification?

System

http://www.nltg.co.uk/ thats the company that put me through my NVQ, they look reputable enough, all they actually did was mostly health and safety with a final assesment where someone watched me working, most of that actual training in the trade was done by my employer where no one else had this NVQ.

Oldernotwiser

nirelandguy wrote: »

http://www.nltg.co.uk/ thats the company that put me through my NVQ, they look reputable enough, all they actually did was mostly health and safety with a final assesment where someone watched me working, most of that actual training in the trade was done by my employer where no one else had this NVQ.

Why would you doubt that they're reputable?

NVQs shouldn't be about teaching people things, their role is to assess what you've learned in the workplace and this is really what training organisations do.

Once upon a time, workplace learning wasn't recognised and NVQs were introduced to put this right and set a value on this kind of learning. You might be interested to read this Wiki article on them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Vocational_Qualification

System

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Why would you doubt that they're reputable?

NVQs shouldn't be about teaching people things, their role is to assess what you've learned in the workplace and this is really what training organisations do.

Once upon a time, workplace learning wasn't recognised and NVQs were introduced to put this right and set a value on this kind of learning. You might be interested to read this Wiki article on them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Vocational_Qualification

Interesting read, and I was assessed on what I learned, but the bit in bold sums it up. The way I see the NVQ is, you go to an employer/college or whatever, you gain this NVQ, this says I have learned X amount been tested etc, you go to another employer, this NVQ should say this is what I have done, my starting point in the firm should be here, no point going over old ground, but it doesn't work like that.

Oldernotwiser

I'm sorry that it hasn't worked the way it should in your case but did you apply for jobs that were a progression when you moved companies?

In general, people move up a grade as they achieve their NVQs. As an example, a hairdresser moves from being a junior to being a stylist when s/he gets NVQ2 and on to being a senior stylist when NVQ3's achieved. Of course, there's nothing to stop someone with NVQ3 from applying for a job as a stylist, but then they're not going to be justified in complaining that NVQ3 hasn't helped them advance.

I get the impression (and I apologise if I'm wrong) that you've just moved from job to job at the same level, rather than planning your career so that each move is a step upwards.

System

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm sorry that it hasn't worked the way it should in your case but did you apply for jobs that were a progression when you moved companies?

In general, people move up a grade as they achieve their NVQs. As an example, a hairdresser moves from being a junior to being a stylist when s/he gets NVQ2 and on to being a senior stylist when NVQ3's achieved. Of course, there's nothing to stop someone with NVQ3 from applying for a job as a stylist, but then they're not going to be justified in complaining that NVQ3 hasn't helped them advance.

I get the impression (and I apologise if I'm wrong) that you've just moved from job to job at the same level, rather than planning your career so that each move is a step upwards.

Could be right, any jobs that are available are at the bottom, just nothing up near the middle where I should be, so I suppose my own fault, you then get in and notice the people above you are less qualified and experienced and it annoys you.

timmmers

ben500 wrote: »

What jobs would they be?

Most social and care professions require one for a start.
NQVs in some fields are pointless, in others they are gold dust.
They also count towards other qualifications and AFAIK the OU which help you progress.

City and Guilds isn't a useless qualification usually...but again it depends what it's in...I have Engineering C&G quals (And an apprenticeship etc.) where those matter massively. I also have Commercial Web design C&G quals which may as well have Mickey Mouses sig on them for all they are worth.

The right qualification can help even before you have a job ..I was half way through a CCNA (Cisco networking course) and saw a nice job at our local council which required a degree according to the ad. I rang and asked and they invited me in as the CCNA was more valuable despite the degree...it it more relevent and respected in the industry.

t

inmypocketnottheirs

timmmers wrote: »

City and Guilds isn't a useless qualification usually...but again it depends what it's in...

Yes, for example as an electrician. City & Guilds 2382 is the 17th Edition Qualification, BS7671 - all of the legislation surrounding building regulations for example. Also 2392 - Certificate in Fundamental Inspection and Testing. 2391 Certificate in Testing and Certification of Installations.

There are those in the trades that say that NVQ means 'Not Very Qualified'.

pupsicola

I did an nvq in travel and tourism 20 years ago and it has always been recognised. Ive now decided to study for an nvq in childcare, learning and development. In this field it seems to be the qualification to get your foot in the door at nursery schools etc.

Maybe it depends on the industry you work in. Hope not considering all the hardwork you must have put into it.

Tarry

I am doing an NVQ at the moment at work (I'm in retail), it seems different to me doing a qualification at work as I've always before hand, done them whilst at college etc.

MrsE_2

inmypocketnottheirs wrote: »

There are those in the trades that say that NVQ means 'Not Very Qualified'.

I've got an NVQ level 4 in AAT (association of accounting technicians), I'm now a full member.
Its equivalent to a HND & should I ever decide to do ACCA (degree) it gets me exemptions from most of level 1.

So I don't think its worthless.
The level 4 NVQ is higher education.