Qualifications

What is an NVQ?

An NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification. It is similar to an apprenticeship, in that you are combining work experience with some sort of vocational training at a college or further institution. An NVQ will set you up to do the skills for that particular role.

Where can I get an NVQ?

You can get a NVQ from most colleges or further educational institutions. At the same time, you'll have to take undertake voluntary or paid work which will form part of the work experience. The NVQ assessor will have to combine both the educational side with the work experience side to assess you the NVQ qualifications.

Where will having an NVQ get me?

An NVQ may help you to prepare for work in a particular area. It will make you more marketable to people who require you to have an NVQ to fulfil a role.

Are GCSEs important to my working life?

GCSEs show an employer that you've been educated to a certain level. Some roles will require you to have minimum GCSEs in certain subjects. For example, if you want to do an office-based job, most office-based employers would want you have a GCSE in Math and English. However, perhaps when you hit 25 or so, no-one's really going to care what GCSEs you did or didn't get. GCSEs may not be that important later on in life.

Are A-Levels important to my working life?

A-Levels, or Advance Levels, show an employer that you've been educated to a certain level, and they will help you get a job which require A-Levels to the minimum standard.

Is a degree important to my working life?

A degree will show an employer that you have been educated to a high level. Most careers or professional jobs will require you to have a degree and also help you move up the career ladder much quickly. Degrees may also allow you to come into a job at a higher level, straight into a graduate training program rather than doing jobs below that first.