Higher level national vocational qualifications: the candidates' experience

Abstract

Little research has been conducted into the experience of undertaking National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) from the perspective of the candidates. The case study analyses the impact of Learning Development and Human Resource Management NVQs Level 4 for two groups of candidates: associate lecturers who teach adults in higher education and trainers who work in the public, private and voluntary sectors. It identifies the cost and benefit to candidates who have been working towards or successfully completed the NVQ. The case study tests the claims of NVQ rhetoric by analysing candidates' perceptions. Candidates were highly skilled professionals who all possessed traditional academic or vocational qualifications. This provided an opportunity to ask them to compare their experiences of undertaking the NVQ with their previous qualifications. Analysis of the impact of NVQs on stake holders includes individuals, employers, colleagues and professional bodies. The study shows that despite the scathing criticisms of the competence-based NVQS, there are gains for the stakeholders. Through the model of human capital theory, the consumption and investment benefits for individuals can be demonstrated. Individuals can see the benefits for their organisation. Their professional practice has characteristics of flexibility needed by a workforce ready to meet challenges of the next century. However the exchange value and use value of the NVQ award is problematic. The question remains, can higher level NVQs be used effectively as an award mechanism for continuing professional development and more importantly, will they be valued?