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Why I think NVQ course funding should be available to everyone
12 years
A 22 year old man from Northumberland has set up an e-petition to encourage everyone to be elligble for funded NVQ courses. Currently those with degrees and those over a certain age will not be funded by the Government, but this means a huge number of graduates who have struggled to progress will be expected to fund their own courses. 
If they’re lucky, they may be able to encourage their employers to pay for an NVQ course, but it’s those that are seeking employment who will suffer.
Ben Winfield completed a forensic degree at University, but has been struggling to find work since graduating. A government funded NVQ course will improve his CV and thus his chances of finding stable employment.
I’ve signed the e-petition as I think it’s important that people of all ages and all backgrounds are encouraged to aim high.
NVQ Courses Won’t Be Decreased From 2014 Onwards
12 years
A few weeks ago we reported that many NVQ courses will be cut from 2014 onwards, but we’ve learnt that NVQs won’t actually be affected! Vocational Qualifications will be affected as a whole, but these are related to school league tables and whether these courses are of value.
More information can be found at the Department of Education’s website
Hilton to fund NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery for 50 budding chefs
12 years
Hilton Worldwide is to offer 50 future chefs to obtain their NVQ level 2 in Professional Cookery.
The 12 month course will include head chef masterclasses, mentoring, a look into the Hilton Worldwide hotel workings and he possibility to earn on the job, too.
All apprentices will be fully funded (including travel expenses) and will earn their NVQ course in Professional Cookery – level 2 with a chance to progress to level 3.
Candidates have until 10th June 2012 to apply – visit www.hiltonworldwide.com/careers.
NVQ courses to be reduced in number from 2014
12 years
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 Course Level 2 in Professional Cookery for homeless
12 years
Price Waterhouse Cooper and Big Issue Invest have teamed together to help homeless individuals train for qualifications in order to improve their job prospects.
The Fire Station near London Bridge is to be converted into a social enterprise hub, where those faced with homelessness can study over 6 months for the NVQ course Level 2 in Professional Cookery, working part time at the Brigade bar/eaterie.
Taxi company requested staff to take NVQ course in Road Passenger Transport
12 years
by jodiesmitham
in NVQ Courses News
A Sussex taxi company has requested a number of the company’s drivers to take an NVQ course in Road Passenger Transport (Level 2). The company, based in Sussex, want more of their drivers to adapt to their roles and feel the NVQ course is best suited in getting them up to speed.
The NVQ course was such a success, all 80 drivers are now going to complete the level 2 NVQ course!
A snapshot of the 4 month NVQ level 2 course in Road Passenger Transport includes:
– disability awareness
– dealing with emergencies
– good customer service
The company’s administration team will also take an NVQ course in customer service and administration.
Businessman keen on bringing back NVQ cabinet making course
12 years
by jodiesmitham
in NVQ Courses News
Youth unemployment has been rife for a number of years. Degree courses have clearly become saturated with students compelled to gain a degree in order to further their prospects. However, companies are screaming out for young apprentices to join and learn on the job.
Piers Hart runs his own furniture making company (Piers Hart and Company) in Barnham since the 1970s and is now fearful of declining NVQ courses such as the NVQ cabinet-making courses which local colleges were providing. Due to low demand for this course, colleges have decided not to offer the course, but company owners such as Mr Hart are disappointed and are keen for youngsters to learn these skills.
After all, the UK could do with a manufacturing boost instead of relying on imports from other companies.