Quick Guide to Qualifications & Training Options

Gaining qualifications does not mean you have to go to college or university. Today there are many different ways to gain useful qualifications. Many people are familiar with the college and university route, where you can achieve various qualifications at different levels including a National Certificate, National Qualification, Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or a degree.

What you may not realise is that you can gain qualifications at all these levels and in many different occupational areas while you are working. Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), which are undertaken via on the job training, offer benefits to both employers and employees. Employers have the opportunity to develop their workforce to meet the needs of their operational requirements. They can be used to encourage staff retention by offering staff progression and help build a quality workforce.

SVQs offer employees the chance to develop their skills and knowledge and gain recognised qualifications while working. This helps combine study with practical experience. It can also be a more affordable way of gaining qualifications.

Employers can offer SVQs to both new and existing employees and at various levels, which can take into account the employee's current skills. For example: SVQs can be used to train school leavers and help them develop skills for the workplace.

There are many areas where on the job training is critical such as construction crafts (joinery, plumbing etc.), mechanics and hairdressing. However there are many areas of work where there are opportunities to train either at college/university, or through on the job training (SVQs). These areas include; hospitality, administration, retail, horticulture, childcare, engineering and many more.

The table below (Table A) shows an example of qualifications available in administration. It shows the comparative level of SVQs to college qualifications.

Table A

Table B shows the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which details the comparable levels of all qualifications in both the SVQ route and college/university route.

Table B - Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

If you would like further information on training options please contact Careers Scotland on 01738 637639 or come into our centre in Highland House, St Catherine's Road, Perth.