HC Deb 21 November 1991 vol 199 cc288-9W
Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which areas of employment now have recognised NVQ qualifications; and when remaining areas will be finalised.

Mr. Jackson

A detailed listing of accredited NVQs is provided in the booket "The NVQ Framework", which is published by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications and updated on a quarterly basis. A copy has been placed in the Library.

"The NVQ Framework" covers all major occupational areas and is sub-divided into 11 main categories, the first 10 of which already have a number of NVQs in place. These are:

  1. (1) Tending animals, plants and land.
  2. (2) Extracting and providing natural resources.
  3. (3) Constructing.
  4. (4) Engineering.
  5. (5) Manufacturing.
  6. (6) Transporting.
  7. (7) Providing goods and services.
  8. (8) Providing health, social care and protective services.
  9. (9) Providing business services.
  10. (10) Communicating and entertaining.
  11. (11) Developing and extending knowledge and skill.

Ultimately, the aim is to ensure that all 11 categories are fully covered in all five NVQ levels within the framework. However, the immediate target is to have sufficient NVQs accredited by 31 December 1992 to cover 80 per cent. of the employed work force at NVQ levels 1 to 4. This will ensure all major occupations are covered.

Good progress continues to be made, with currently 322 NVQs accredited, covering some 40 per cent. of the employed work force at levels I to 4.

"The NVQ Framework" booklet includes a timetable for the submission of NVQs for accreditation over the ensuing 18 months.

Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment for the latest period for which figures are available how much has been spent on marketing NVQ's to employers.

Mr. Jackson

The main responsibility for marketing NVQs rests with the employers in the sector concerned, and with the awarding bodies offering the NVQs.

The Government offer marketing support through the National Council for Vocational Qualifications and the Department of Employment's standards programme. To date this support has been concentrated on the development of NVQs. Marketing activities have included seminars, exhibitions and conferences. Some £400,000 was spent on these activities in 1990–91.

Over the next 18 months, the Government's focus will move increasingly to the implementation of NVQs. The NCVQ communications strategy will take forward the enhanced marketing of NVQs to employers. This commits £800,000 in 1991–92 and proposes further substantial investment in the following two years.

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