What are National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs)

N/SVQs are all about competence to do a specific job or range of jobs and the qualification is awarded normally on the basis of workplace assessment. Although most qualifications have a knowledge requirement, there is no specific education or training requirement.

N/SVQs are strongly supported by Government for example through the Department for Education and Skills.

How are N/SVQs produced?

Occupational Standards

N/SVQs are derived from National Occupational Standards (NOSs) accredited by the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Scotland.

NOSs are produced by Standards Setting Bodies (now known as Sector Skills Councils, SSCs formerly as National Training Organisations) in consultation with the industries they serve.

In welding and related fields, the two main SSCs are:

• SEMTA and
  
• ECITB

Awarding Bodies

Awarding Bodies (which are authorised by QCA) develop and offer N/SVQs based on the NOSs.

The two main Awarding Bodies for welding are related fields are;

• EMTA Awards Ltd (or EAL)
• ECITB - look for 'Vocational Qualification'

These Awarding Bodies work with employers in the assessment and qualification of personnel.

N/SVQs come in different levels as broadly defined in engineering as follows:

Level 5:	Approximates to Chartered Engineer Level
Level 4:	Approximates to Incorporated Engineer Level
Level 3:	The level approximates to Engineering Technician Level but it can also be a high level craft.
Level 2:	Medium level craft
Level 1:	Basic level craft

What N/SVQs are available in welding?

The picture changes frequently but the current situation is described below

1.Welding Engineering Level 4

The National Occupation Standards (NOSs) were developed by ECITB in collaboration with The Welding Institute. Further details.

The NOSs contain a direct link to the International/European Welding Technologist syllabus. Holders of the I/EWT diploma will already have satisfied much of the knowledge requirement of the standard.

It is expected that the Open University will become the Awarding Body for this qualification.

Individuals who achieve this qualification will automatically be eligible for Incorporated Membership of The Welding Institute.

2. Craft Welding Levels 2 and 3

Both ECITB and SEMTA have produced NOSs for craft welding.

EAL and ECITB are the Awarding Bodies who, so far, have arranged to offer the qualifications.

There is a large range of N/SVQs covering a wide range of welding and joining processes and materials.

3. NDT Level 3

ECITB have both developed the NOSs and offer the associated N/SVQs as the Awarding Body.

Help with N/SVQs

The HR or Training Manager in your place of employment is probably the best place to get advice in how to set about achieving an N/SVQ.

TWI can also provide advice and support training.