Rationalisation of VQs

The programme does not have a 'target' number of VQs. The 'right' number of VQs is the number that results from the process of identifying employers' and learners' needs and developing VQs in accordance with those needs.

Skills Campaign, Skills Pledge and other initiatives aim to increase the training provided and undertaken. The UK VQRP aims to increase the proportion of work based learning which is nationally accredited.

Therefore, the 'right' number of accredited VQs may ultimately be higher than the present number.

Although the UK VQRP is not setting any targets for the number of VQs, a key objective is to make the system easier to understand and easier to navigate for users. A large number of similar titles and duplication of VQs have contributed to confusion about the current system.

A Code of Practice has been developed to direct the process of removing titles from the system in future without negative impact on learners and employers.

Fewer VQ titles

VQs will be made clearer through:

• Specified formats for VQs' titles;
• Removal of brand names from the title itself; together with
• Greater flexibility about the units and credits that can be included within a VQ's rule of combination.

Learners and employers will be able to identify more easily the appropriate VQ and then make a selection from the different awarding bodies and options available. All of this information will be presented clearly in the new Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF).