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National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications: Early Indications of Employers' Take-up and Use.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications: Early Indications of Employers' Take-up and Use.
Language: English
Authors: Callender, C., Sussex Univ., Brighton (England). Inst. of Manpower Studies.
Availability: BEBC Distribution, 15 Albion Close, Parkstone, Poole BH12 3LL, England, United Kingdom (45 British pounds).
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 162
Publication Date: 1993
Sponsoring Agency: Employment Dept., London (England).
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Adult Education, Case Studies, Competence, Cost Effectiveness, Education Work Relationship, Employer Attitudes, Employment Qualifications, Foreign Countries, National Surveys, Personnel Evaluation, Questionnaires, School Business Relationship, Standards, Student Certification
ISBN: 978-1-85184-186-8
Abstract: A study examined British employers' adoption of National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQs) and the occupational standards underpinning them. Data regarding current/projected use of the NVQ/SVQs and their perceived costs, benefits, and difficulties of implementation were collected from the following: literature review; interviews with key organizations, Employment Department representatives, and selected major employers; telephone survey of 1,506 employers; and 50 case studies of employing organizations in 9 sectors. Although 75% of employers surveyed had heard of NVQ/SVQs, only 44% of firms with more than 500 employees and 6% of firms with fewer than 50 employees were using them. It was projected that approximately 78% of large firms and 14% of small firms would eventually use NVQ/SVQs. Use of NVQ/SVQs was highest in the construction and energy/water sectors. NVQ/SVQs were used mainly to provide initial training but were also used for retraining and certification of employees' existing skills/competencies. Barriers to using NVQ/SVQs included lack of employer support for the ideas underpinning the NVQ/SVQs and the NVQ/SVQs' poor presentation, inflexibility, and high cost of implementation. (Thirty-five tables/figures are included. Appended are the following: 20 additional tables of statistical information; questionnaire and discussion guide; list of organizations interviewed; and glossary.) (MN)
Entry Date: 1996
Accession Number: ED391081
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A study examined British employers' adoption of National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQs) and the occupational standards underpinning them. Data regarding current/projected use of the NVQ/SVQs and their perceived costs, benefits, and difficulties of implementation were collected from the following: literature review; interviews with key organizations, Employment Department representatives, and selected major employers; telephone survey of 1,506 employers; and 50 case studies of employing organizations in 9 sectors. Although 75% of employers surveyed had heard of NVQ/SVQs, only 44% of firms with more than 500 employees and 6% of firms with fewer than 50 employees were using them. It was projected that approximately 78% of large firms and 14% of small firms would eventually use NVQ/SVQs. Use of NVQ/SVQs was highest in the construction and energy/water sectors. NVQ/SVQs were used mainly to provide initial training but were also used for retraining and certification of employees' existing skills/competencies. Barriers to using NVQ/SVQs included lack of employer support for the ideas underpinning the NVQ/SVQs and the NVQ/SVQs' poor presentation, inflexibility, and high cost of implementation. (Thirty-five tables/figures are included. Appended are the following: 20 additional tables of statistical information; questionnaire and discussion guide; list of organizations interviewed; and glossary.) (MN)
ISBN:978-1-85184-186-8