Qualifications

Proskills is responsible for overseeing the development of qualifications in the process and manufacturing sector.

We ensure that qualifications are "fit for purpose" and have a direct relevance to the skills you need to run your business effectively.

The following is a list of core qualifications in the sector. Our industries also make extensive use of other qualificatons. Contact Proskills for details.

Coatings: NVQs and SVQs
Building products: NVQs and SVQs
Glass: NVQs and SVQs
Extractives and mineral processing: NVQs and SVQs
Print & printed packaging: NVQs and SVQs

The Qualifications & Credit Framework

The new Qualifications & Credit Framework is a major reform of the vocational qualifications system designed to make the process of recognising and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland easier to understand and use.
With a simplified process in place, the intention is to make both the system and the qualifications offered better able to meet the needs of employers and provide a more flexible and accessible system for learners.
The new system breaks down qualifications into small bite-sized pieces of learning in the form of units which allows learners to accumulate learning or credits over time.

In-Company Training Accreditation / Employer Recognition Programme

More than 70% of training that is done in the UK at a cost of some £32bn a year remains un-recognised as it is not part of the current national qualifications framework. In light of this the government wanted to see how employers and providers could contribute more directly to the national qualifications system. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills asked the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority to undertake a process to capture this training under the new Framework through the Employer Recognition Programme.
The intention for gaining accreditation for in-company training is to capture the best learning and training, wherever it exists and whoever provides it.
The QCA/Proskills need employers to come forward with in-house training which the employer deems unique to their company and/or sector. By bringing employers’ and providers’ training on to the QCF it is hoped we will develop an essential skills base made up of high-quality training employers want.
It is the government’s intention for the UK to become world-class leader in skills by 2020. Just think how close the UK could be if every piece of this training was nationally recognised?

If you are interested in getting your company training recogised on the national system there are 3 different approaches you may wish to choose from.

Foundation Degrees

A Foundation Degree is a level 5 qualification that integrates academic and work-based learning. It is designed and is a modern higher education degree qualification that is designed in partnership with employers to meet their needs. Click here to find out more.

Useful links:

ABC Awards:
City & Guilds:
Edexcel:
EMP Awarding Body:
GQA:
IMI Awards:
PAA/VQSET:
PIABC:
National Database of Qualifications (England, Wales and Northern Ireland):
Scottish Qualifications: