NVQs information for candidates

Information For Candidates

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) can be gained in the workplace by demonstrating the skills, knowledge and understanding you need for work.

You will work closely with a personal Assessor to build-up a portfolio of evidence of the skills and knowledge you use on a daily basis. Your assessor will guide you through the process, helping you to gather the evidence you need and find examples of good work that you may take for granted.

You will compile evidence in units relating to your job. Some units are mandatory, but you will choose the others to fit best with the work you do. You can find out more about the best NVQ for you by looking at the range of NVQs JGA deliver.

For more information about NVQs, please contact Wei on 020 8426 2666, or send us an e-mail.

How much does it cost?
It could well be free if you meet the conditions. Your employer or you may be asked to pay some of the cost and the Government will pay the rest.

How long will it take to finish an NVQ?
It depends! You will work at your own pace, and you may want to finish the NVQ as quickly as possible. Generally, you will be able to finish 1 unit per month, and you will need some time at the start to familiarise yourself with the NVQ, and at the end to make sure your portfolio is the best it can be. So, an NVQ with 6 units will take about 8 months to complete. But, don't forget, you set the pace.

Do I have to attend classes?
No. You will meet your assessor at your place of work, where they can help you compile your evidence by observation, professional discussion, showing examples of your work, and other methods.

I don't know whether to take an NVQ at Level 2 or Level 3. What is the right level for me?
At your induction, you will complete a Skillscan which will tell you what level is right for you. This process is tailored to each NVQ subject so you will find out exactly what you need to do to complete an NVQ, and what will come next. Here is a quick guide:

    Level 1 - Basic skills
    Level 2 - Enhanced skills
    Level 3 - Supervisory skills
    Level 4 - First and middle management
    Level 5 - Middle and senior management

I work in the evenings/at weekends. Can my assessor see me then?
You will arrange appointments with your Assessor, who will try to be a flexible as possible. The NVQ should fit around your work patterns and we will do our best to make sure that happens.

Will I have to do a lot of writing?
We try to keep written work to a minimum. We use a variety of assessment methods including observation and professional discussion. And we encourage, wherever possible, the use of a computer. You can even work with an electronic portfolio on JGA's virtual learning platform.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes! JGA is an accredited NVQ Centre with OCR, City & Guilds and Edexcel. If you complete any of the NVQs on offer, you will gain a qualification recognised all over the UK