Programmes
The Business First team are here to help you make a decision on the training that best suits your employees and your business. We would advise that you look through our information on apprenticeships, train to gain and tailored training to get an idea of which one you would like to persue.
Below is a quick reference qualification guide of the types of qualification that are applicable to courses and programmes listed throughout the site.
NVQ’s
NVQ’s are vocational work-based qualifications that recognise the skills that people use at work. There are 5 levels within the NVQ scale ranging from Level 1 to Level 5.
The apprenticeships and Train to Gain courses that we offer are at Level 2 (equivalent to 5 A to C GCSE’s) and Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A-Level’s).
Each NVQ is designed for a specific occupational area and is made up of a number of units that require work-based evidence of completion. This is monitored by a qualified assessor who will make regular on-site visits to your place of work.
Completion time of an NVQ can vary and can take anything from 12 to 48 months, depending on the level of skills and experience of the learner.
Key Skills
Key Skills qualifications are awarded from Level 1 to Level 4 and include units of communication, application of number, IT, working with others and problem-solving.
Key Skills are often awarded alongside an NVQ and assessment is based on a portfolio of coursework.
Technical Certificate
Technical Certificates have been introduced into the NVQ framework as the qualification which an apprentice studies towards whilst at college 1 day per week.
The teaching and content assesses the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the discipline the apprentice is working in.
Technical Certificates are awarded by City and Guilds, EAL and other nationally recognised awarding bodies.
