2. National Qualifications Group Award (NQGA) Network Linda McTavish NQGA Key Partners Group And Project Board

3. Overview  The value of NQGA Qualifications  Why undertake this review?  SFC Funding  NQGA Programme So Far  The key role of colleges  Why colleges need to get involved  Priorities & Next Steps

4. NQGA Development Project - Aim  Follows from the successful HN Modernisation Project  To provide a suite of mid-range qualifications at SCQF levels 2-6 that are designed to meet the needs of the learner and employer. National Qualification Group Awards encompass:- National Certificates National Progression Awards National Units

5. NQGA Development Project: Need for Review  80% of Scotland’s colleges provision is for qualifications at SCQF levels 2-6  Important role in providing access & progression routes  Nationally recognised qualifications, valued by employers  Relevant to the economy: economic recovery & meeting new markets  Flexible awards  Requirement to refresh and to rationalise

6. NQGA Development Project: SFC Funding  March 2009: SFC approved funding for NQGA Project –Initially for 2 years 2009-2011 –Potential Extension 3 years to 2014 –2009-2010: £1.2 Mil. Approved –2010-2011: £1.51 Mil. Approved

7. NQGA Development Project: SFC Funding Funding will:  Support development of NCs and NPAs –Cost model Supports colleges financially (Structured funding package based on key deliverables) Provides staff support Provide project management support

8. NQGA Development Project: Progress to Date SQA are working in partnership with:  NQGA Key Partners Group and Project Board  Colleges, Employers & Learners  Scotland’s Colleges  Sector Skills Councils

9. NQGA Project – Key Partners Membership  Chair  College representatives  Scottish Funding Council  Local Councils  HMIe  Skills Development Scotland  SQA  SWAP  Learning & Teaching Scotland  Scottish Government  Scotland’s Colleges  Scottish Prison Service  Skills for Logistics

10. Next Steps: Get Involved  Increased government emphasis on need for nationally recognised skills development programmes to ensure future economic prosperity  Importance of modernising qualifications: college portfolio review  Potential to resource developments in time of economic constraint  Look at the NQGA development schedule http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/24069.884.html http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/24069.884.html  Find out more – contact the development team to arrange a visit nqga@sqa.org.uknqga@sqa.org.uk  Today’s Event! Your questions answered