§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to develop NVQs in archaeological studies. [89401]
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§ Mr. Mudie[holding answer 2 July 1999]The development and maintenance of NVQs is undertaken by National Training Organisations. Since April 1998 archaeology has been the responsibility of the Cultural Heritage NTO. It was previously covered by the environmental lead body, COSQUEC. The first NVQs, accredited in 1994, were removed in 1998 from the national framework by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as there was very low take up.
The Cultural Heritage NTO is waiting for the findings of an archaeological training needs study called "Profiling the profession", being undertaken by the Archaeological Training Forum, before making a new case for NVQs. The report is expected in autumn 1999.