New qualifications framework for quarrying industry

COMPANIES, training/awarding bodies and learners in the extractive and mineral processing industry are set to benefit from a new framework for recognizing and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The launch of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will prompt a major reform of the current vocational qualifications system to drive a more demand-led approach to vocational learning and training.

Proskills says qualifications in the QCF will be more relevant to the needs of employers in the extractive and mineral processing industry, more flexible and accessible for learners, and offer both generic and specific qualifications.

One of the key aspects is that training undertaken by companies that was previously unrecognized, can now be included in the new Framework through the ‘Employer Recognition Programme’.

Qualifications will be broken down into small steps of learning or ‘units’, to which a credit value is allocated, giving learners the opportunity to work flexibly and at their own pace to accumulate credits towards full qualifications over time.

‘More than 70% of training undertaken by companies in the UK, at a cost of some £32 billion, goes officially unrecognized,’ said Terry Watts, chief executive of Proskills. ‘A key objective of this new Framework is to capture in-house training provision and help ensure it is part of a nationally recognized qualification structure.

‘As the Sector Skills Council representing the extractive and mineral processing industry, we want to encourage employers to come forward with their specific in-house provision and assist in the development of an essential, high-quality skills base for the sector. And by bringing the very best in-house and external training provision on to this national framework, we can help the Government achieve its aim to position the UK as a world leader in skills by 2020.’