Home > News > December 2004 > 03-Dec-2004

QCA launch consultation on proposed 'Framework for Achievement'

The QCA has launched a public consultation on a proposed new Framework for Achievement for young people and adults. According to the QCA, the new framework is designed to fundamentally change the way that qualifications and other learning outcomes are recognised and organised.

Working with the Learning and Skills Council and the Sector Skills Development Agency, the QCA aim to simplify the system so that it is more responsive to employer and learner needs.

The QCA say the proposed Framework for Achievement will offer:

• A clear structure for recognising learners and qualifications
• Smaller packages of learning units that can be accumulated and transferred easily between qualifications and awarding bodies
• The potential for employers to gain recognition for in-house training programmes
• A distinctive suite of qualifications which denote competence in specific occupations
• Levels and 'credits' which define the standard and the volume of learning
• Standard definitions of terms such as 'awards', 'certificate' and 'diploma'

"Recognising each individual's full range of achievements is vital if we are to encourage everyone to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to reach their potential," said Ken Boston, chief executive of QCA. "Qualifications that genuinely qualify people in particular occupations or testify to their competence in a particular role will continue to be at the heart of the new framework, but recognition will be extended to other types of learning that is of proven value and quality, including respected community learning programmes.

"We know from research that a large majority of people feel that training at work would be much more valuable if it were recognised outside their organisation, and that they would be happy to do the training if they could do it at their own pace. Whether they complete a short employer-led training course, or decide to pursue a professional qualification that may take a number of years, or simply study a subject that happens to interest them, by banking small units of learning they can accumulate credit towards other qualifications and be sure that under this framework their achievement will be recognised and understood."

Mark Haysom, chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council welcomed the consultation. "Millions of people follow thousands of qualifications and courses across the country, so we really need a way to understand the relative value of what they achieve. This is very exciting, but also very challenging; to make it work, we need a framework, which is universally agreed. That means working closely with everyone involved in post-16 education and training to make the most of this opportunity."

Christopher Duff, chief executive of the Sector Skills Development Agency also offered support for the consultation. "The key to engaging employers is flexibility, to be able to build qualifications that are tailored to their competing needs, sector by sector, and for large and small businesses. We welcome the prospect of a system which will reduce the existing confusion of competing qualifications, support progression routes, ensure qualifications are up to date and, above all, are fit for employer purposes".

External link

The consultation runs until the end of February 2005. The consultation document can be found on the QCA website at www.qca.org.uk/ffa/.

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