General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) were a vocational alternative to academic qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels.

They were first introduced in 1992 and designed to:

• offer 14-19 year olds general qualifications in a vocational context
  
• develop employability skills through their links to key skills
  
• support progression to further study or employment with training
  

In 2000 the government announced that the lower levels of GNVQ - Foundation and Intermediate would be withdrawn.

By 2007 the withdrawal of all levels of GNVQs is scheduled to be completed.

For more information on the GNVQ withdrawal visit the Qualification & Curriculum Authority (QCA) website.

• www.qca.org.uk

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications.

Unlike traditional qualifications which rely on teaching and exams, NVQs use the performance in a job as a basis for assessment.

NVQs are recognised by employers nationwide and provide learners with a clear route to improve their skills and progress up the career ladder.

NVQs and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are based on National Occupational Standards.

These standards are statements of the skills, knowledge and understanding needed in employment and clearly it defines what constitues competence.

The standards are developed by representatives of employment sectors on a UK-wide basis and form vocational qualifications.

The following website gives a definitive listing of National Occupational Standards in the UK.

• www.ukstandards.org

There are no age limits or entry requirements for NVQs. They are open to anyone who can show they reach the required standard.

There are 5 levels of NVQ, Level 1 (routine work) to Level 5 (senior management).

A useful table to assess the comparible level with other qualifications can be viewed on the Edexcel website

• www.edexcel.org.uk