Frequently asked questions

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Is there a glossary explaining what the key terms mean?

Yes. Download the Employers' Glossary (PDF).

What is the QCF?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a credit-based qualifications framework, allowing a unit-based approach to building qualifications. All vocational qualifications will be placed on the QCF.

The QCF will replace the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by December 2010 for all vocational qualifications. This means the Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) will approve qualifications on the QCF on behalf of employers.

Why has the QCF been developed?

The QCF has been developed to allow employers to gain recognition for their in-house training and to be able to offer nationally accredited units or qualifications. Employers will also be able to select units already on the QCF that reflect their training and development needs.

The QCF will also provide information about employees’ or potential employees’ previous unit and qualification achievement.

How can I accredit my training?

There is a variety of ways, depending on your situation. The Employer Partnerships Team offers a bespoke service which helps guide employers to make the right choices. For more information, complete our expression of interest form.

What does ‘embedded training’ mean?

Embedded training involves incorporating qualifications and Apprenticeships into learning and development programmes. Companies can use their existing people development programmes and match them to existing nationally accredited, fundable qualifications. Edexcel offers a unique mapping service which helps employers to do this.

How much will it cost me to become an approved centre?

Nothing. Centre and qualification approvals are a free service from Edexcel.

How can I book an a free consultation with the Employer Partnerships Team?

Simply call 0844 576 0045, email employersolutions@edexcel.com, or visit www.edexcel.com/employers to register your interest online.

How will I know what qualifications are right for my staff?

A member of the Employer Partnerships Team will help you identify nationally recognised qualifications to complement your existing programmes.

What funding is available?

A range of employer-responsive funding, such as Apprenticeships and Train to Gain, is available from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Companies with over 5000 staff can apply for funding from the National Employer Service (NES). For more information, complete our expression of interest form.

We want to start delivering NVQs. How do we go about this?

Contact our Employer Partnership Team, who will guide you through the process. Simply call 0844 576 0045, email employersolutions@edexcel.com, or visit www.edexcel.com/employers to register your interest online.

What makes up an Apprenticeship?

The components of an Apprenticeship include a Technical Certificate, NVQ and key skills. Our Apprenticeships can help you develop and train your future workforce, providing your learners with the skills, knowledge and experience that benefit both them and your business. We now offer all the components of an Apprenticeship as a single package, making everything simpler for you to manage. Unlike other awarding bodies, we don’t charge any centre approval fees.

Are there any qualifications available to help my new employees when they start?

WorkSkills is a new BTEC qualification from Edexcel that has been developed after extensive research and consultation with employers, training providers, schools and colleges. The aim of WorkSkills is to deliver the skills that will help people gain and retain a job. The units build on the skills already taught in schools and colleges, and offer the opportunity to recognise these skills with a formal BTEC qualification.

Who are the NES and how are they able to help me?

NES (the National Employer Service) offers specialist advice on workforce development to national, multi-site employers with more than 5000 employees who are supported by a direct funding contract with the LSC. This enables employers to develop large, embedded training programmes delivering portable, nationally accredited qualifications that give their people better skills and improve their business performance.

What is a Sector Skills Council and what impact does it have on my business?

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are state-sponsored, employer-led organisations that cover specific economic sectors in the United Kingdom. They have four key goals:

· To reduce skills gaps and shortages

· To improve productivity

· To boost the skills of their sector workforces

· To improve learning supply.

SSCs achieve these aims by contributing to the development of National Occupational Standards, designing and approving Apprenticeship frameworks, brokering Sector Skills Agreements and creating Sector Qualification Strategies.

What is the NAS and how can it help my business?

From April 2009, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) will assume end-to-end responsibility for the delivery of Apprenticeships. The NAS will have ultimate accountability for:

The national delivery of targets, and co-ordination of the funding for Apprenticeship places
Assessment of Apprenticeship providers
Co-ordinating and leading a national marketing and information service
Establishing and maintaining a national matching service for employers and would-be apprentices
Ownership of the Apprenticeships blueprint, and development of a model Apprenticeship agreement.

What training courses are available for NVQ and BTEC centres?

We now have a wide range of NVQ and BTEC training courses that will help your staff and learners develop their careers, as well as your business. Visit our Training from Edexcel web page.