National Vocational Qualifications

HC Deb 21 June 1996 vol 279 cc636-7W

Mr. Bryan Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment she has made of the advantages of reducing the priority accorded to workplace competence assessments in the design and delivery of national vocational qualifications. [33739]

Mr. Paice

Demonstration of competence in the workplace will remain a key feature of national vocational qualifications. As stated in our action plan in response to the Beaumont report, published on 27 March, the Government believe that a combination of assessment methods is desirable.

Mr. Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the progress of reform of the system of vocational qualifications. [33738]

Mr. Paice

Following the Government's action plan in response to the Beaumont review, the National Council on Vocational Qualifications has been asked to undertake a review of each NVQ in line with its 1995 criteria and guidance and the points in the action plan. That review has now started and NVQs will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April 1998.