Route Markers for the Educational Journey - Page 1 of 2 |
Which road to take?
We are often asked about the status of particular qualifications.
Sometimes the answer is easy, as with an externally awarded qualification like a City & Guilds. But in those cases the question probably wouldn't be asked in the first place.
Diversions ahead
But answers can be harder to find. And ODL QC cannot itself formally assess or rank different qualifications.
So we try to find other organisations that can say which qualifications are well regarded within a profession. But how good is the advice on offer; do learners find what they need, or just become more and more infuriated before giving up?
To find out, we contacted a number of bodies with some of the common queries we receive, where the answer is not necessarily straightforward; not to "check up" on the bodies concerned, nor to complete a representative survey, but simply to sample the advice on offer.
Through roads and cul-de-sacs
We started with qualifications for working with children. The Childcare National Training Organisation informed us that there is no legislation in this matter, and we should seek advice from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
QCA helpfully explained that the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education, which administers the NNEB, is the main standards body for this area. They also pointed out that the National Extension College (an ODL QC Accredited Provider) has courses that meet CACHE specifications. So far, so good.
As a tougher test, we headed off into alternative and complementary medicine country. What if you want to be an aromatherapist? Healthwork UK, the NTO for this area weren't sure, and said we should talk to the International Federation for (/of?) Aromatherapy. The Federation said: "we don't deal with that - phone the Council". The number of the Aromatherapy Council was permanently engaged. So we, and probably many learners, gave up.
QCA claimed initially not to have heard of aromatherapy. When pressed, they said they would ring us back. They did, but only to transfer us to the wrong place. Finally we reached our destination, only to find that the relevant person was out.
IT is another subject popular both with learners, and with providers offering courses whose professional credentials are at best unclear.
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