Vocational Qualifications in Scotland
Most Vocational Qualifications in Scotland are developed, accredited and awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The two main types of vocational qualification in Scotland are Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs).
SVQs are based on national standards of performance developed by representatives from industry, commerce and education. Matching the skills and knowledge of potential candidates against these nationally agreed industry standards gives a good idea of where there might be room for improvement. SVQs are offered by a range of providers including colleges.
Offered by colleges, some universities and many other training centres, HNCs and HNDs are specially designed to meet the needs of employers both locally and nationally. HNCs and HNDs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge an employer will expect them to have making them more employable.
Skillset works closely with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to ensure that any revisions to existing qualifications frameworks as well as all new qualifications are developed in partnership with industry, and reflect as far as possible the appropriate National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
In Scotland the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework has been created to bring together all mainstream Scottish qualifications into a single unified framework - higher education qualifications, including HNCs and HNDs and National Qualifications such as Highers and Advanced Highers and SVQs. The Framework covers all levels from Access 1 (National Qualifications) to HE Doctorate. It will change and expand over the next few years as the framework is rolled out across Scotland's education and training sectors.
For further information contact The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework .
