5. Qualifications
5.1 One of the criticisms we sought to address within the re-engineering of Skillseekers was the use of alternative qualifications as a means of increasing the programme's flexibility. Although there is not strong evidence from our informal consultation with stakeholders to support this, this was something we committed to looking at in 2003 as it was recommended by the Enterprise & Lifelong Learning Committee. We have therefore included this in the draft policy framework developed for a future level 2 vocational training programme and this idea has not met with much disagreement. Indeed at the conference held at Stirling Management Centre last year, many delegates agreed that this was a sensible idea for a future level 2 programme. Several SSCs, including the Financial Services SSC and Skillset, have made a case for alternative qualifications replacing the VQ for current or new MA frameworks at level 3.
5.2 We believe that Scottish or National Vocational Qualifications ( S/NVQs) should remain central to the MA. We also believe the starting point should be to encourage SSCs to amend the existing S/NVQs if they feel it is not fit for purpose. That said, our view is that the approval group ( MAIG) should be open to considering robust evidence from an SSC if they wished to use some other competency based qualification within their framework. As part of that evidence, however, it would have to be clearly demonstrated why the current or amended S/NVQs is no longer appropriate.
5.3 When we use the term 'competency' based qualification we mean where the individual demonstrates their ability to undertake practical tasks, as well as having an academic understanding. By contrast, an individual undertaking a 'capability' based qualification would be required to demonstrate that they knew how to do a task, in academic terms, rather than actually doing it.
Proposal
A relevant S/NVQs will remain central to the MA programme, although there will be the potential for the SSC to utilise an alternative competency based qualification provided that robust evidence to support this is presented to and approved by the approvals group ( MAIG). That evidence must specifically demonstrate why the current or amended S/NVQs is no longer appropriate to the needs of that sector.
Specific Questions
7. Do you feel that the VQ is the right qualification for proving competence in a job? YES/NO
8. Should we allow the possibility of using equivalent competency based qualifications to VQs in MA frameworks? YES/NO
9. Please explain further the reason for your answer, if necessary.