News
Glass introduces new qualifications under QCF
The Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) is being introduced throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland to make the qualifications system simpler to understand and use and offers employers and learners greater choice on the right qualifications for their needs.
Also, it gives employers the ability to get their high quality in-house training nationally accredited.
The new qualification structure for the Glass and Related Industries is currently being rolled out and the table below shows details of the new pathways.
Please note that just because some qualifications are being updated doesn’t mean they will disappear overnight. Previous qualifications are still valid and recognisable and anyone currently studying towards or registered for a qualification has a time frame in which to complete that qualification. Indeed some existing qualifications will remain in the current qualification framework until they reach their last registration date but if a QCF equivalent is in place that will be more likely to be approved for government funding rather than the “older/established” version.
Neil Robinson, Proskills industry lead for the Glass and Related Industries said “The new Glass Qualifications have been designed by employers to meet the needs of business today. This means a greater degree of flexibility and the opportunity to choose relevant units focussed on the individuals occupational specialism.
For instance: Automotive glazing has now been separated so an expert in repair can achieve a recognised qualification in this field. On the other hand if the technician has an expertise in windscreen and glass replacement then there is a qualification to recognise this.
The Glass manufacture NQF qualification now within the QCF Framework recognises the difference between flat and container glass via different qualifications, similarly Fenestration recognises a qualification for installers of windows, doors and conservatories and offers a unique qualification for Curtain Walling. At level 3 a distinction is now made between a technical expert in the field and someone who has moved, or is looking to move, into supervision.
All this means a much more efficient system where individual needs are met within the context of the business therefore helping provide a much more focussed career path and helping employers identify the unique skill set of their employees.”
The Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) has worked closely with Proskills in converting national occupational standards to the new qualification format and GQA was also one of the first awarding organisations to have been accredited by Ofqual to award the new qualifications. GQA has run numerous free QCF workshops aimed at helping ensure the readiness of Approved Centres to incorporate new GQA QCF qualifications into their provision i.e. to gradually replace NQF qualifications with QCF qualifications over the next two years.
| Name of Old Qualification | Name of New Qualification |
| GQA L2 Certificate in Glass Related Operations | GQA L2 Certificate in Glass Related Operations (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ for Installing Domestic Fascias, Soffits and Bargeboards | GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Domestic Fascia, Soffit and Bargeboard Installation (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ in Glazing | GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Glazing (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications | GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ in Glass Processing | GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing (QCF) GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Container Processing (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ in Glass Manufacturing | GQA L2 NVQ Diploma in Glass Container Manufacture (QCF) GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Flat Glass Manufacture (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ in Fenestration Installation | GQA L2 NVQ Diploma in Fenestration Installation (QCF) GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Curtain Wall Installation (QCF) |
| GQA L2 NVQ in Automotive Glazing | GQA L2 NVQ Diploma in Automotive Glazing (QCF) GQA L2 NVQ Certificate in Windscreen Repair (QCF) |
| GQA L3 NVQ in Glazing | GQA L3 NVQ Certificate in Glazing (QCF) |
| GQA L3 Certificate in Glass Related Operations | GQA L3 Certificate in Glass Related Operations (QCF) |
| GQA L3 NVQ in Production of Glass Supporting Fabrications | GQA L3 NVQ Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures (QCF) |
| GQA L3 NVQ in Automotive Glazing | GQA L3 NVQ Certificate in Automotive Glazing (QCF) GQA L3 NVQ Certificate in Automotive Glazing Supervision (QCF) |
| NEW | IMIAL L2 NVQ Diploma in Automotive Glazing (QCF) |
| NEW | IMIAL L2 NVQ Certificate in Windscreen Repair (QCF) |
| NEW | IMIAL L3 NVQ Certificate in Automotive Glazing (QCF) |
| NEW | IMIAL L3 NVQ Certificate in Automotive Glazing Supervision (QCF) |
For further information regarding the new qualifications framework, please contact Neil Robinson on 07917 015322 or neil.robinson@proskills.co.uk
If you would like to find out which training providers are near to you please contact the Proskills Academy on 01235 432 030 or at customerservices@mps-academy.co.uk
Details of other qualifications and not just those in the Proskills footprint details are available from the Skills Funding Agency