July 2008
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Time moves on apace and with Wimbledon done and dusted together with a fair share of sunshine and rain, it looks as if we are shaping up to have another changeable summer to keep us on our toes. Keeping learning and development uppermost in our minds, our top July story is the launch of the first ever VQ day on the 23rd of this month. VQ day will raise the profile of vocational qualifications and give us all the opportunity to celebrate vocational success. We have an inspiring story about Kelly Bone, who has been awarded the title of South East Learning and Skills Young Achiever of the Year, and alongside this we show several snapshots of this year’s winners in the Skills for London Awards 2008. Both items illustrate how qualifications in Business & Administration can help to launch and progress careers so that people are truly able to reach their full potential. If you would like to comment on any of these stories or have a feature of your own to contribute, please contact Helen Gerlach.
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The first ever VQ DAY (Vocation Qualifications Day) is being launched on the 23rd July 2008, to celebrate the millions of people who gain vocational qualifications every year and those who help them achieve their success. For too long, this success has gone without the recognition and celebration that it deserves and VQ Day aims to address this. It is led by Edge, the education foundation, with support from many of the leading players in the vocational education community. Edge, in the same way as CfA, is committed to raising the status of practical and vocational learning across the UK. Events will be taking place across the country on and around VQ Day with the biggest of them all to be held at London’s Royal Opera House on the 23rd July itself. To find out how you can become more involved in VQ Day, or participate in one of the many events taking place across the country and vote for your annual VQ Hero, please click here. Please visit the VQ Day site |
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forward ePortfolio Plus - More value for money This summer, we are pleased to be able to say that forward ePortfolio PLUS now represents even better value for money. We have been delighted with the success of forward over the past four years and have now been able to reduce the price per candidate to just £25, a saving of 37%. forward ePortfolio PLUS is endorsed by four of the largest awarding bodies and is the best value ePortfolio system on the market. An intuitive, straight-forward application with a simple, per candidate fee structure to match and no charges for assessor and verifier logins. Additionally there are no expensive set-up or maintenance charges and no annual subscription fees. Customers who already use forward are being offered five candidate licences free of charge to celebrate the price reduction. If you would like any further information about this offer or would like to claim your complimentary licences, please contact Cameron Woodrow. |
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Training Quality Standard news Since 2006 the Learning and Skills Council has gradually been introducing a new standard to promote specialist excellence in training provision. This new standard, the Training Quality Standard (TQS), is a single standard and aims to build on the achievements of former Centres for Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) with a focus on quality and commitment to continuous improvement, so training meets the needs of employers and the workforce. The CfA is currently developing TQS Part B supporting guidance for Business & Administration to help centres with their application for assessment. The CfA will announce when the TQS Part B supporting guidance for Business & Administration is in place via the eBriefing. If you would like to find out more about the TQS please visit the TQS website. |
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OCR’s Business Skills qualifications Over the past six months OCR has taken part in the trial of a suite of Business Skills qualifications, as part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Test and Trial programme. As the trial nears its end, OCR intends to make the qualifications nationally available from 1st September 2008. The qualifications have been developed to recognise cross-sector business skills in organisations. This gives learners an opportunity to demonstrate competence across a number of different sectors: Business & Administration, Customer Service, Management, Sales and Marketing and Health and Safety and will be particularly appropriate for learners who need a variety of skills to carry out their job responsibilities at work. The main features of the qualifications are:
Details of the qualifications, including the structures, units and further updates, will shortly be available to download from OCR’s website at www.ocr.org.uk. If you require further information in the meantime, please contact OCR’s Customer Contact Centre by phone on 024 76 851509 or by email at vocational.qualifications@ocr.org.uk. *OCR has applied for an extension to the current accreditation end dates and the launch date is dependent on approval of the extension.
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South East Learning and Skills Young Achiever of the Year
Currently undertaking an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration as part of her Advanced Apprenticeship, Kelly has overcome personal difficulties to win the prize as part of the South East Learning and Skills awards. Working as an apprentice at Huhtamaki (UK) in Gosport, Kelly was short-listed from among hundreds of applications throughout the south east for her outstanding qualities. To read the full article about Kelly’s experience of her apprenticeship and how it has benefitted her, please click here.
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CfA September events programme
These latest events will draw on the most important aspects of these popular workshops, promoting high-quality Assessor performance and providing examples of efficient portfolio building. They will also address questions about the verification process, preparing for EV visits, examining regulatory body S/NVQ regulations and maximising assessment performance. Events will be held in Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London at the end of September and are expected to fill up fast. Look out for our upcoming eAlert for further information and to book your place.
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Winners of the Skills for London Awards 2008 competition More than 100 candidates from across London went head-to-head to win this year’s accolades, which recognised the top learners, businesses and skills providers from across the capital. Awards were presented by television presenter, Fearne Cotton and David Lammy, MP, Minister for Skills. Here are the stories from some of the winners: Personal Achiever of the Year Award WINNER – Julianna Alli Julianna’s head of department says that despite her family and work commitments, her student remains positive and cheerful and is a real inspiration to others. Liz Hudson from Bexley Training Group said: “Julianna has had to overcome many difficulties in order for her to achieve her Apprenticeship and to progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship. She is a real inspiration to young people and is able to be a shining example to them through her line of work at Connexions.” His employers say his contributions have enabled them to increase their coverage over the internet three fold. He has now progressed from e2e, through a pre-Apprenticeship programme and has demonstrated his commitment and determination at each step being described by his employer as an incredibly hard working young man. Asad said: “Having missed out at school by not taking GCSEs this left me feeling hopeless. However, when I was given this opportunity I had to go for it because it felt like the last chance to prove myself. Working for Victor Michael has given me a great deal of experience and skills and built my confidence to a level where I can stand in front of many people and share my ideas and thoughts.”
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Q: If my apprentice has achieved a Key Skill over three years ago, is it still valid as part of the 2005 BA Apprenticeship frameworks? A: Apprentices who have already achieved a Key Skill qualification (prior to
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To subscribe to the CfA eBriefing, please email Helen Gerlach. The CfA is not responsible for the content of any external links from this newsletter. The Council for Administration is a registered charity, No 1095 809. |
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Kelly Bone, who was awarded the South East Learning and Skills Young Achiever of the Year 2008, is an inspiration to many young people.
Following on from the success of 2007’s Assessor Master Class and 2008’s ‘What does GOOD look like?’, this September, the CfA is running a series of half day CPD events across the UK.
After leaving school without any GSCEs, Asad Ahmed’s e2e course and work towards an Apprenticeship in Business & Administration at Redbridge College put him on the path to true success with estate agents Victor Michael. Asad one day hopes to fulfil his ambition of becoming a manager himself.
If you would like to submit information to the CfA eBriefing, please contact Helen Gerlach on 020 7091 9620.
© CfA 2008
