National vocational qualifications (NVQs) from the candidate’s perspective

Purpose: There has been recent interest in National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in the field of Radiography. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the positive and negative aspects of the NVQ, both the structural and the contextual, from the candidate’s perspective and to generate hypotheses that can be tested by further research. Method: Secondary sources such as personal accounts, or accounts of other people interviewing were used for this qualitative analysis. An extensive literature search revealed five articles containing comments both from assistants who have or are currently undertaking the NVQ in Care. Content analysis was undertaken on these comments. Triangulation of the results was obtained using a government report by Callendar (Individual take-up of NVQ/SVQs: stimuli and obstacles. Research Studies RS48. Department for Education and Employment; 1997) and from a satisfaction survey undertaken by South Nottinghamshire College. Results: The analysis looked at five issues: how they valued the course, reasons for undertaking the course, comments on the structure of the course, the support needed and the issue of age and progression. Conclusion: NVQs are viewed mainly in a positive light with the candidates gaining confidence and improving their skills at work. Motivation to undertake this qualification was the desire to improve and progress, there were however perceived barriers to progression from the NVQ in terms of age and financial implications. The fact that NVQs are work based was viewed as an advantage but the amount of work involved and the time consuming nature of this was highlighted. Support is vital to NVQ candidates, both in time and assistance.