Archive for January, 2012

NVQ courses to be reduced in number from 2014


NVQ courses to be cut

There are currently over 3,000 vocational qualifications equivalent to GCSE standard, which will be cut to 125 from 2014.

This is a move by the Government to stop schools inflating their league table positions by offering courses equivalent to GCSEs but which are not deemed to be helping students improve their job prospects.

Ministers first announced plans to filter out ‘unhelpful’ NVQ courses in 2011, following Professor Alison Wolf’s review of vocational education.

Vocational qualifications have increased in popularity as more young people opt for work related qualifications, rather than opt for more traditional ones. The 70 vocational courses selected for 2014 onwards will still be equivalent to  GCSEs and should assist students in improving their career prospects. Yes, many NVQ courses may indeed lead nowhere for students, but this process should help assess which ones are more important and thus more valuable to employers.

(edit: this NVQ courses hub article has been updated)

 

 

 

NVQ courses business guide for employers – by Ofqual


Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) have put together an NVQ business guide for employers to consider when choosing the correct NVQ model.

Taken from the NVQ business guide:

“This guide has been developed as a tool to assist organisations when they are considering NVQ implementation.

Its purpose is to:

• Encourage employers to identify the difference that the introduction of occupational standards can make to their organisation.

• Help them to recognise that there are a variety of models for NVQ implementation depending on the organisation’s culture, structure, business size, priorities etc.

What is right for implementing NVQs in one organisation may not work for another. Organisations may also require different implementation routes for different occupational areas within their company.
Best practice NVQ implementation is based on the organisation fully understanding the potential of occupational standards and how these relate to their business objectives. This ensures the effect on the business can be accurately evaluated at the end of the process.”

Download full Ofqual PDF

 

 

Active IQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training course


Introduction

The Active IQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training is on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. This qualification underpins the role of a Personal Trainer and enables learners to prove competence in the workplace. This NVQ qualification gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to work with individual and groups of clients in a personal training setting.

Qualification structure and credit value

Learners must achieve 9 mandatory units (48 credits) and may complete the additional units if appropriate.

Mandatory Units

Learners must complete all 9 mandatory units (credit value required; Minimum 48, Maximum 48)

  • Unit 1 – Reflect on and develop own practice in providing exercise and physical activity (F/601/7362) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 2 – Principles of exercise, fitness and health (A/600/9017) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 3 – Promote health, safety and welfare in active leisure and recreation (D/601/4484) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 4 – Anatomy and physiology for exercise and health (A/600/9051) – this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Unit 5 – Motivate clients to maintain long terms adherence to exercise and physical activity (K/601/7758) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 6 – Evaluate exercise and physical activity programmes (M/601/7759) – this unit is worth 3 credits
  •  Unit 7 – Design, manage and adapt a personal training programme with clients (H/601/7760) – this unit is worth 6  credits
  •  Unit 8 – Deliver exercise and physical activity as part of a personal training programme (K/601/7761) – this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Unit 9 – Apply the principles of nutrition to support client goals as part of an exercise and physical activity programme (M/601/7762) – this unit is worth 7 credits

Additional Unit

Learners may complete this additional unit although it does not form part of the mandatory requirements for this qualification.

Credit Value required: Maximum 5.

  • Plan, market and sell services (T/601/7763) – this unit is worth 5 credits

Assessment

Internally assessed:

  • Portfolio of Evidence
  • Practical Demonstration / Assignment
  • Coursework

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF 

List of all Active IQ’s NVQ courses

Active IQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Leisure Management course


Introduction

This qualification is designed for learners to prove their competency, knowledge and skills in dealing with the performance of other staff, the well-being and safety of customers, as well as the day-to day operation of a sport and recreation facility.

Entry requirements

There are no specific pre-requisite qualifications but there is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved and learners should have basic skills in communication pitched at Level 2. As this is a competency qualification learners need to be assessed in the workplace.

Qualification structure and credit value 

The learner must achieve all 34 credits from all 11 mandatory units, plus a minimum of 2 credits from any Group A optional units, and a minimum of 5 credits from any Group B optional units.

Mandatory Units

The learner must achieve all 34 credits from all 11 mandatory units.

(download PDF below for more details on units)

Assessment

  • Multiple Choice question paper • Worksheets
  • Work Based Practical Observation
  • Coursework/ portfolio of evidence

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF 

List of all Active IQ’s NVQ courses

Active IQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Customer Service course


Introduction

This qualification recognises learners within a customer service environment. This qualification is based on the ICS National Occupational Standards at Level 3 and recognises occupational competence at this level. This qualification incorporates a choice of optional units which will enable learners to tailor the qualification to meet their needs.

Qualification structure and credit value

•    The learner must achieve 12 credits from the Mandatory Units
•    A further 30 credits must be achieved by completing a minimum of one unit from each Optional Group
•    A minimum of 22 credits must be at Level 3 or above.

Mandatory units

All learners must successfully achieve 12 credits from the following mandatory units:

  • Demonstrate understanding of customer service (K/601/1622) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Demonstrate understanding of the rules that impact on improvements in customer service (J/601/1627) this unit is worth 6 credits.

Optional Units
Learners must achieve a further 30 credits by completing a minimum of one unit from each of the following optional groups:

Impression and Image

  • Communicate effectively with customers (R/601/1212) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organisation (L/601/0933) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Promote additional services or products to customers (D/601/0936) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Process information about customers (H/601/1215) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Live up to the customer service promise (M/601/1217) this unit is worth 6 credits •    Make customer service personal (T/601/1218) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Go the extra mile in customer service (M/601/1220) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deal with customers face to face (T/601/1221) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deal with incoming telephone calls from customers (F/601/1223) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Make telephone calls to customers (J/601/1224) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deal with customers in writing or electronically (R/601/1226) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Use customer service as a competitive tool (D/601/1228) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Organise the promotion of additional services or products to customers (D/601/1231) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Build a customer service knowledge set (K/601/1233) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Champion customer service (T/601/1235) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Make customer service environmentally friendly and sustainable (F/601/1237) this unit is worth 11 credits

Delivery

  • Do your job in a customer-friendly way (A/601/1205) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deliver reliable customer service (J/601/1210) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deliver customer service on your customer’s premises Y/601/1213) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Recognise diversity when delivering customer service (K/601/1216) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deal with customers across a language divide (A/601/1219) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Use questioning techniques when delivering customer service 9A/601/1222) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Deal with customers using bespoke software (L/601/1225) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Maintain customer service through effective hand over (Y/601/1227) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Deliver customer service using service partnerships (H/601/1229) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Organise the delivery of reliable customer service (Y/601/1230) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Improve the customer relationship (H/601/1232) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Maintain and develop a healthy and safe customer service environment (M/601/1234) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Plan, organise and control customer service operations (A/601/1236) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Review the quality of customer service (J/601/1238) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Build and maintain effective customer relations (L/601/1239) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Deliver seamless customer service with a team (F/601/1240) this unit is worth 8 credits

Handling Problems

  •  Resolve customer service problems (M/601/1511) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deliver customer service to difficult customers (T/601/1512) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Monitor and solve customer service problems (J/601/1515) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Apply risk assessment to customer service (D/601/1519) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Process customer service complaints (D/601/1522) this unit is worth 6 credits Handle referred customer complaints
  • Handle referred customer complaints (K/601/1524) this unit is worth 10 credits Development and Improvement
  • Develop customer relationships (T/601/1526) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customer service improvements (A/601/1530) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Develop personal performance through delivering customer service (R/601/1534) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customers using on-line customer services (H/601/1540) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Buddy a colleague to develop their customer service skills (M/601/1542) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Develop your own customer service skills through self-study (R/601/1548) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customers using self-service technology (Y/601/1549) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Work with others to improve customer service (D/601/1553) this unit is worth 8 credits
  •  Promote continuous improvement (H/601/1554) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Develop your own and others’ customer service skills (K/601/1555) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Lead a team to improve customer service (H/601/1568) this unit is worth 7 credits
  •  Gather, analyse and interpret customer feedback (H/601/1571) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Monitor the quality of customer service transactions (T/601/1574) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Implement quality improvements to customer service (L/601/1578) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Plan and organise the development of customer service staff (L/601/1581) this unit is worth 9 credits
  • Develop a customer service strategy for a part of an organisation (M/601/1587) this unit is worth 11credits
  • Manage a customer service award programme (A/601/1592) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Apply technology or other resources to improve customer service (Y/601/1597) this unit is worth 11 credits
  • Review and re-engineer customer service processes (R/601/1601) this unit is worth 11 credits
  • Manage customer service performance (K/601/1605) this unit is worth 7 credits

Assessment

Internally assessed:

  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Practical demonstration / Assignment
  • Coursework

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF

List of all Active IQ’s NVQ courses

Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Customer Services course


Introduction

This qualification recognises learners within a customer service environment. This qualification is based on the ICS National Occupational Standards at Level 2 and recognises occupational competence at this level. This qualification incorporates a choice of optional units which will enable learners to tailor the qualification to meet their needs.

Qualification structure and credit value

  • The learner must achieve 8 credits from the Mandatory Units
  • A further 20 credits must be achieved by completing a minimum of one unit from each Optional Group
  • A minimum of 15 credits must be at Level 2 or above

Mandatory units

All learners must successfully achieve 8 credits from the following mandatory units:

  • Communicate using customer service language (F/601/1609) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Follow the rules to deliver customer service (L/601/1614) this unit is worth 4 credits

Optional Units

Learners must achieve a further 20 credits by completing a minimum of one unit from each of the following optional groups:

Impression and Image

  • Maintain a positive and customer-friendly attitude (R/601/1209) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Adapt your behaviour to give a good customer service impression (L/601/1211) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Communicate effectively with customers (R/601/1212) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organization (L/601/0933) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Promote additional services or products to customers (D/601/0936) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Process information about customers (H/601/1215) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Live up to the customer service promise (M/60/1217) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Make customer service personal (T/601/1218) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Go the extra mile in customer service (M/601/1220) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deal with customers face to face (T/601/1221) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deal with incoming telephone calls from customers (F/601/1223) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Make telephone calls to customers (J/601/1224) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deal with customers in writing or electronically (R/601/1226) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Use customer service as a competitive tool (D/601/1228) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Organise the promotion of additional services or products to customers (D/610/1231) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Build a customer service knowledge set (K/601/1233) this unit is worth 7 credits

 

Delivery

  • Do your job in a customer-friendly way (A/601/1205) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deliver reliable customer service (Y/601/1230) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deliver customer service on your customer’s premises (Y/601/1213) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Recognise diversity when delivering customer service (K/601/1216) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Deal with customers across a language divide A/601/1219 this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Use questioning techniques when delivering customer service (A/601/1222) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Deal with customers using bespoke software (L/601/1225) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Maintain customer service through effective hand over (Y/601/1227) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Deliver customer service using service partnerships (H/601/1229) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Organise the delivery of reliable customer service (Y/601/1230) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Improve the customer relationship (H/601/1232) this unit is worth 7 credits


Handling Problems

  • Recognise and deal with customer queries, requests and problems (M/601/1508 this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Take details of customer service problems (T/601/1509) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Resolve customer service problems (M/601/1511) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Deliver customer service to difficult customers (T/601/1512) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Monitor and solve customer service problems (J/601/1515) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Apply risk assessment to customer service (D/601/1519) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Process customer service complaints (D/601/1522) this unit is worth 6 credits

Development and Improvement

  • Develop customer relationships (T/601/1526) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customer service improvements (A/601/1530) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Develop personal performance through delivering customer service (R/601/1534) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customers using on-line customer services (H/601/1540) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Buddy a colleague to develop their customer service skills (M/601/1542) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Develop your own customer service skills through self-study (R/601/1548) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Support customers using self-service technology (Y/601/1549) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Work with others to improve customer service (D/601/1553) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Promote continuous improvement (H/601/1554) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Develop your own and others’ customer service skill (K/601/1555) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Lead a team to improve customer service (H/601/1568) this unit is worth 7 credits
  • Gather, analyse and interpret customer feedback (H/601/1571) this unit is worth 10 credits
  • Monitor the quality of customer service transactions (T/601/1574) this unit is worth 7 credits

Assessment Internally assessed:

  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Practical demonstration / Assignment
  • Coursework

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF

List of all Active IQ’s NVQ courses

Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Activity Leadership course


Introduction

This qualification underpins the role of an activity leader in the active leisure sector and is appropriate for individuals who are planning, delivering and evaluating activity sessions.

Qualification structure and credit value

This NVQ/SVQ consists of 6 mandatory units (25 credits) and 2 optional units (minimum of 5 credits)


Mandatory units

All learners must successfully complete the following units:

  • Support the work of the team and organization (Y/601/4483) this unit is worth 2 credits
  • Prepare for activity sessions (F/601/5532) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Lead activity sessions (J/601/5533) this unit is worth 9 credits
  • Conclude and review activity sessions (L/601/5534) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Promote health, safety and welfare in active leisure and recreation (D/601/4484) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Support equality and diversity in active leisure and recreation (H/601/4485) this unit is worth 2 credits

Optional units

Learners must complete two of the following optional units:

  • Administer finance and information (R/601/5535) this unit is worth 3 credits
  • Contribute to joint working with other organisations (R/601/5536) this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Support the development of the sport or activity (H/601/5538) this unit is worth 2 credits
  • Set up, take down and store activity equipment (K/601/4486) this unit is worth 3 credits
  • Check and service activity equipment (M/601/4487) this unit is worth 3 credits
  • Contribute to environmental conservation in active leisure and recreation (L/601/4495) this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organisation (L/601/0933) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Look after participants when they are away from home (K/601/5539) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Enable disabled people to take part in activities (D/601/5540) this unit is worth 9 credits
  • Contribute to adventurous activities (H/601/5541) this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Contribute to participants’ personal and social development (K/601/5542) this unit is worth 5 credits
  • Contribute to participants’ exploration and understanding of the natural environment (M/601/5543) this unit is worth 4 credits

 

Assessment Internally assessed:

  • Coursework
  • Portfolio of Evidence
  • Practical Demonstration / Assignment

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF

Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Instructing Exercise & Fitness course


Introduction

The Active IQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness is on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. This qualification underpins the role of a fitness instructor and enables learners to prove competence in the workplace and can be achieved in the following contexts; Gym, Exercise to Music, Aqua or Exercise and Physical Activity for Children.

Qualification structure and credit value

Learners must achieve 5 mandatory units and 2 optional units from a specific pathway;

  • Gym pathway: 22 credits from mandatory units plus 16 credits from relevant optional units
  • Exercise to Music pathway: 22 credits from mandatory units plus 16 credits from relevant optional units
  • Aqua pathway: 22 credits from mandatory units plus 16 credits from relevant optional units
  • Exercise and Physical Activity for Children pathway: 22 credits from mandatory units plus 15 credits relevant from optional units

Mandatory Units

Learners must complete all 5 mandatory units (credit value required; Minimum 22, Maximum
22)

  • Unit 1 – Anatomy and physiology for exercise (H/600/9013) – this unit is worth 6 credits
  • Unit 2 – Principles of exercise, fitness and health (A/600/9017) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 3 – Promote health, safety and welfare in active leisure recreation (D/601/4484) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 4 – Work with clients to help them to adhere to exercise and physical activity (A/601/7361) – this unit is worth 4 credits
  • Unit 5 – Reflect on develop own practice in providing exercise and physical activity (F/601/7362) – this unit is worth 4 credits


Optional Units

Credit Value required: Minimum 15.

O1 – Pathway A Gym

Learners must achieve both optional units if this pairing is selected. This group represents a pathway.
Credit value required; Minimum 17, Maximum 17

Sub-components required; Minimum 2, Maximum 2.

  • Plan and prepare gym-based exercise (J/601/7363) – this unit is worth 9 credits
  • Instruct and supervise gym-based exercise (L/601/7364) – this unit is worth 8 credits

O2 – Pathway B Exercise to Music

Learners must achieve both optional units if this pairing is selected. This group represents a pathway.
Credit value required; Minimum 16, Maximum 16

Sub-components required; Minimum 2, Maximum 2.

  • Plan and prepare group exercise to music (R/601/7365) – this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Instruct group exercise to music (Y/601/7366) – this unit is worth 8 credits

O3 – Pathway C Aqua

Learners must achieve both optional units if this pairing is selected. This group represents a pathway.

Credit value required; Minimum 16, Maximum 16

Sub-components required; Minimum 2, Maximum 2.

  • Plan and prepare water-based exercise (D/601/7367) – this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Instruct water-based exercise (H/601/7368) – this unit is worth 8 credits

O4 – Pathway D Exercise and Physical Activity for Children

Learners must achieve both optional units if this pairing is selected. This group represents a pathway.
Credit value required; Minimum 15, Maximum 15

Sub-components required; Minimum 2, Maximum 2.

  • Plan and prepare health related exercise and physical activity for children (K/601/7369) – this unit is worth 8 credits
  • Instruct health related exercise and physical activity to children (D/601/7370) – this unit is worth 7 credits

Assessment

Internally assessed:

  • Portfolio of Evidence
  • Practical Demonstration / Assignment
  • Coursework

For full details, including pricing and learning hours, please download Active IQ NVQ course PDF

List of all Active IQ’s NVQ courses

NVQ course in Racehorse Care

NVQ courses in Racehorse Care

That’s right, you can actually complete an NVQ course in Racehorse Care. The requirements would be working in a racing yard or as an apprentice jockey or as a stable hand.

The NVQ levels available for this course are level 1 and level 2 and one can complete these courses for free if aged between 16 – 22.

NVQ Level 2 course in Team Leading


NVQ Level 2 Team Leading

So you can motivate a team and identify people’s skills within your company? An NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading could be a great start in leading a team!

This will be your first step into management and you’ll need to learn key leadership skills.

For this course, you will need to demonstrate the following:

  • How to build a successful team
  • Communicating with others professionally
  • Motivating and improving morale
  • Be aware of health and safety
  • Manage team resources
  • Setting priorities and managing stress
  • Develop the team and work on approachability
  • How to deal with problems and conflict
  • Building trust and providing direction to staff

Typically the core four units of this course will include:

-creating productive relationships
-team leadership
-awareness of health and safety
-management of a team

Optional units will include:

-allocating work across the team
-innovation within the team
-learning opportunities
-customer service issues

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