The latest developments in the QCG/NVQ training routes and the implications on the training of future careers professionals

The latest developments in the QCG/NVQ training routes and the implications on the training of future careers professionals

Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG)

Learning Outcomes

The QCG learning outcomes were written in 2000 with some minor changes being made in February 2004. Given the huge changes in the career guidance sector since then, a major review was undertaken in November 2005. Following consultation with key stakeholders including QCG tutors, employers and a Sector Skills Council, the revised learning outcomes were approved by the QCG Advisory Committee in January for use from September 2006.

The revision has resulted in 5 modules:

• The Framework for Professional Practice
• Career Guidance Theory, Policy and Practice
• Partnership Working
• Working with Clients in Learning Organisations
• Using Opportunity Information

For further details visit the ICG website, http://www.icg-uk.org/qcg.html

As a result of the feedback and suggestions received many of the learning outcomes have been re-worded for greater clarity. In particular, the focus on LMI and work with employers and education and training providers has been strengthened. There are now two specific learning outcomes regarding the identification, collection and use of LMI and an emphasis on its use in the guidance process.

Distance Learning Provision

There are some developments such as the recent validation of an e-learning Postgraduate Certificate in Careers Guidance at the University of Paisley, and discussions are taking place with other QCG centres regarding the feasibility of developing a blended learning route using a virtual learning environment (e.g. Blackboard) and face to face contact.

QCG Student Destinations

QCG students are entering a range of employment on the completion of their course. The majority find work with the statutory providers, but increasing numbers are going directly into Higher Education or Further Education Careers Advisory Services, the private and voluntary sectors and schools. Of the 249 students who completed the 2004-5 courses, 220 (89%) have found employment.

Other destinations included an Education and Careers Adviser at CITB, posts as a Careers Adviser in a high security adult prison and on a drugs rehabilitation project. Several students found work outside of the sector.

NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance

The revised National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Advice & Guidance, the Qualification Structure and Assessment Strategy were approved in March 2006. The Awarding Bodies have worked on Common Evidence Requirements for the new NVQs to be introduced later this summer.

Level 4 in Advice and Guidance will comprise 8 Units, 4 Mandatory and 4 Optional Units. Further information is on the ENTO website (http://www.ento.co.uk/standards/index.php)

City & Guilds, Edexcel, ICG, OCR, Open University and SQA are members of the Advice and Guidance Awarding Body Forum that is responsible for reviewing the assessment strategy and developing good practice in support of candidates and assessors. The group has recently produced a document mapping the QCG learning outcomes to the new Advice and Guidance standards.

NVQ 4 in Learning Development and Support Services (LDSS)

The project to develop the National Occupational Standards was commissioned in January 2003 by DfES. The Standards are relevant to all staff employed in the Connexions service, Education Welfare Service, as Learning Mentors and in similar services UK-wide.

S/NVQs at levels 3 and 4 have been offered from summer 2004. The S/NVQs consist of Common Core units that candidates must achieve, Optional Pathways that are specific to the three professional strands and Optional Units. Further details are on the DfES standards website (http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/learningmentors/nos/).

There is a DfES requirement for QCG holders is to complete a cluster of units from NVQ 4 LDSS and the intention was that they would develop a cluster award with the Awarding Bodies (Edexcel and OCR). After discussions, DfES decided not to go ahead; candidates would instead have unit accreditation from the Awarding Bodies. The LDSS NOS are due for review during 2007.

Supervision of post qualifying practice

The support and supervision of practitioners moving from initial training into practice varies across the UK. The QCG has no probationary period so there is a range of approaches. In most cases this involves the completion of a number of units from either S/NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance or LDSS, or the completion of a full award. Careers Scotland has developed a probationary period of 14 months for people who complete the QCG.

In addition, ICG is about to consult with employers, HEIs and practitioners on the development of a probationary framework to support those completing initial professional training (QCG, NVQ 4 or other equivalent qualifications) endorsed by ICG.

Please email Sue Holden () with your views on the current training routes