Frequently Asked Questions
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NVQs & VRQs
What are NVQs?
National Vocation Qualifications are competence based qualifications. Candidates are assessed in the workplace against a set of nationally agreed standards which include skills and knowledge in their occupational area. All NVQs are made up of Units of Competence; they vary in size from 5-6 units for a typical level 2 award to 8+ for higher levels.
What are the benefits of NVQs?
There are many benefits including the recognition of existing skills and knowledge and the development of any areas that are lacking. This usually results in an increase in self-confidence in the candidate and an ability to operate more effectively in their role. NVQs help employers ensure that all their staff are trained and competent to a consistent and satisfactory level.
How long does an NVQ take to complete?
NVQs vary in size and are designed to be flexible in terms of timescales however most candidates, providing they complete the tasks agreed in their assessment plans and are supported by their employer should be able to complete their NVQ in an acceptable time. 6-12 months is typical depending on the candidate and the level of the NVQ.
What is the NVQ process?
All NVQ candidates begin with a thorough induction where they learn about the qualification, consider their existing skills and knowledge and agree a programme with their trainer/assessor. Some candidates require initial training before starting their NVQ, others can go straight into the assessment process. Candidates work one-to-one with an assessor throughout their NVQ journey. Plans and reviews take place at regular intervals as the units are achieved. Assessments and evidence of competence is collated in a portfolio, either online or a paper version.
What are VRQs?
Vocationally Related Qualifications are programmes of learning designed to prepare a candidate to take on a role and the assessment process usually includes practical and written assignments. By the time a VRQ has been completed the candidate should feel able to confidently take on their new role.
What are the benefits of VRQs?
The focus of the VRQ is on learning new skills and knowledge and being able to gain some experience of using these. As there is no requirement for a portfolio of assessment in the workplace VRQs are easily achieved within an agreed time frame and candidates enjoy and gain from the structured learning programmes.
Coaching & Mentoring
Why is coaching so popular now?
Coaching is not a new skill; people have been coaching each other for centuries! In recent years coaching has become widely recognised as an extremely beneficial technique for helping others to realise their potential in work or other situations. Coaching has become popular primarily because it achieves results. It is a skill that anyone can acquire relatively quickly and use in all aspects of their life.
What are the benefits of training managers to coach?
Every manager, supervisor or team leader should have coaching in their tool kit! Managers frequently act as 'parents' to their staff sorting out all their problems and often becoming overloaded in the process. Learning to coach helps managers to free themselves from having to 'fix' or do everything and in the process enable their staff to become more effective and independent.
What could be improved by coaching?
Literally any aspects of a person's performance or behaviour could be improved through coaching. The most common areas tackled through coaching are time and self-management, confidence issues, attitude, staying focused and achieving objectives. Work-life balance is a big issue for most individuals and companies and this can be significantly improved through coaching.
How does someone become a competent coach or mentor?
We all have coaching and mentoring skills and use them from time to time in our lives and work however to become really effective as a coach or mentor training is required. This could range from a short one or two-day programme to a longer recognised qualification. The better the training the more competent and confident the person becomes in using the skills learnt in their workplace.
Answers to questions about ILM qualifications
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