NVQ Qualifications

An NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification. It is a work-based qualification designed to measure competence in a professional role.

It is is different from a traditional taught course as it requires you to show what you currently do and how you have the underpinning knowledge required to do your job, as opposed to teaching and testing you on new knowledge. To prove your competence, you as a candidate are required to collect evidence from your workplace in line with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) of the NVQ.

By completing an NVQ it shows your current and potential future employers that you are competent in your role and demonstrates an interest in continuous professional development, improving your employability.

The logical structure of the NVQ award meant that I could gather all of the experience and document it whilst carrying out my job.

The course is divided up into units, so it was possible to work on the areas that were most relevant at any one time. There are a set of optional units that allowed me to look into areas that are traditionally outside my job description and interact with other departments.

Collecting evidence allowed me to see my job and its role in the museum from a different perspective and to gain confidence and job satisfaction in the process. The resulting folder (rather than being solely a document to gain an award) is invaluable and a personal record of any experience and on the job development.

Ria Kirby