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New qualifications the bedrock of learning and skills – Empey

3 June 2010

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today highlighted the importance of the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) in driving up the skills of the workforce.

The QCF is the new framework for vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland, England and Wales and is at the heart of the vocational qualifications system.  It will make it simpler, more accessible and more relevant to learners’ and employers’ needs.

Speaking today at the second vocational qualifications reform programme conference at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast, the Minister said: “The changes brought about through the reform programme are absolutely key to delivering what is needed to weather this difficult economic climate.  Qualifications are the bedrock of learning and skills and the introduction of the QCF brings about many benefits and opportunities.

“Employers are closely involved in the development of QCF qualifications through their Sector Skills Council and they set the standards upon which the qualifications are based.  As a result, QCF qualifications are more valuable to learners because they deliver the skills that employers want.

“A key feature of the QCF is flexibility.  All organisations involved in developing and delivering these qualifications must grasp the opportunities presented by the QCF to ensure that we raise the levels of skills in the NI labour market.”

The Minister also noted the considerable progress that had been made since the first conference held last year, as well as the challenges that remain:  “Many organisations are now well prepared to deliver QCF qualifications, and we hope that all vocational qualifications will be on the QCF by the end of 2010.   However, our challenge now is to explain and promote the advantages to learners and employers, and ensure that the learning experience is enhanced to meet learners’ needs more effectively.”  

Notes to editors:

  1. The NI Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (VQRP) is part of a major cross-UK programme of reform of the vocational qualification system.  It has been in operation since late 2005 and is now firmly into the implementation phase.  The broad aim of the programme is to increase the relevance, value and flexibility of VQs by involving employers in the development and planning process, and through the establishment of a credit-based qualifications system which comprises a rationalised set of VQs.
  2. The programme specifically aims to:
    • Create a system for VQs based on learners’ and employers’ needs.
    • Make the system clearer, with more flexibility and choice for learners and employers.
    • Develop a more skilled and productive workforce.
    • Enable individuals to fulfil their potential.
    • Support greater social justice and opportunity.
  3. In Northern Ireland, the programme is overseen by a VQRP board, which comprises a broad range of key stakeholders with a role to play in implementing the reforms.  The focus of the programme here is on ensuring that key stakeholders are fully aware of their role within the reformed system, and ensuring that the necessary physical infrastructure is in place to support the reforms.  A programme of awareness-raising and capacity-building is being implemented, of which the second VQRP conference is part
  4. Further information can be found at www.nivqrp.org.uk external link.
  5. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch, on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.