National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
What is it?
National Vocational Qualifications, more commonly known as NVQs, are different to academic qualifications because they are work-based meaning that you complete the qualification whilst also working in the industry. As you will be working in the industry whilst completing this qualification a large majority of the assessment will be taken from your performance in the workplace – great for those who are not keen on exams!
Although NVQs are mainly work-based there is the opportunity to work towards an NVQ at college, however work experience will still play a large part in your learning.
Course content:
NVQs are about putting the theory into practice with the practice being just as important as the theory. As NVQs are work-based, the content will vary depending on the course you have chosen to do and the workplace that you are employed in. There are a range of NVQs on offer ranging from a level 1 to 5 so there is plenty on offer for all abilities.
Duration:
There are no time limits when completing a work-based NVQ. If working towards an NVQ at college, courses are usually either 1 or 2 years in duration dependent on the level you choose to do.
Entry Requirements:
NVQs range from a Level 1 where there are likely to be no entry requirements to a Level 5 where you will need to have successfully completed an NVQ4 in a relevant subject. The table below shows the most common entry requirements for different levels of NVQs
| |
Equivalent to |
Entry Requirements |
| NVQ 1 |
5 GCSEs grades D-G |
GCSEs (E/D Grades) |
| NVQ 2 |
5 GCSEs at grades A-C |
GCSE (D Grades) |
| NVQ 3 |
2 A Levels / 1 Vocational A-Level |
Level 2 qualification with at least merit grades
Five GCSE's at Grade C to do a three AS/A2 programme |
| NVQ 4 |
HNC, HND and Degree level |
Completion of a Level 3 programme or equivalent |
| NVQ 5 |
HNC. HND and Degree level |
Completion of a Level 4 programme or equivalent |
NVQs on offer:
- Food Preparation and Cooking with Food Service (NVQ 2)
- Food Preparation & Cooking (NVQ 1/2/3)
- Food Preparation & Cooking - Kitchen and Larder (NVQ 3)
- Professional Cookery (NVQ 2/3)
- Advanced Professional Cookery (NVQ 3)
- Catering (NVQ 2)
- Hospitality Supervision (NVQ 3)
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