§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to narrow the gap between vocational and academic studies consequent upon the introduction of national vocational qualifications.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsAccreditations from the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) now cover over 80 per cent. of the work force and all occupational groups at NVQ levels 1 to 4. The NCVQ is also developing a more broadly-based vocational qualification, the general national vocational qualification (GNVQ). A number of schools and colleges are piloting GNVQs during this academic year. GNVQs are being designed to provide a vocational qualification representing an achievement which is equivalent to two 'A' levels. Current NCVQ plans are that 14 GNVQs should be generally available by September 1995, when they should have equal status with 'A' levels.