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 1Pathway 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.’