National Qualifications Group Award (NQGA) Network Linda McTavish NQGA Key Partners Group And Project Board

Overview  The value of NQGA Qualifications  Why undertake this review?  SFC Funding  NQGA Programme So Far  The key role of colleges  Why colleges need to get involved  Priorities & Next Steps

NQGA Development Project - Aim  Follows from the successful HN Modernisation Project  To provide a suite of mid-range qualifications at SCQF levels 2-6 that are designed to meet the needs of the learner and employer. National Qualification Group Awards encompass:- National Certificates National Progression Awards National Units

NQGA Development Project: Need for Review  80% of Scotland’s colleges provision is for qualifications at SCQF levels 2-6  Important role in providing access & progression routes  Nationally recognised qualifications, valued by employers  Relevant to the economy: economic recovery & meeting new markets  Flexible awards  Requirement to refresh and to rationalise

NQGA Development Project: SFC Funding  March 2009: SFC approved funding for NQGA Project –Initially for 2 years –Potential Extension 3 years to 2014 – : £1.2 Mil. Approved – : £1.51 Mil. Approved

NQGA Development Project: SFC Funding Funding will:  Support development of NCs and NPAs –Cost model Supports colleges financially (Structured funding package based on key deliverables) Provides staff support Provide project management support

NQGA Development Project: Progress to Date SQA are working in partnership with:  NQGA Key Partners Group and Project Board  Colleges, Employers & Learners  Scotland’s Colleges  Sector Skills Councils

NQGA Project – Key Partners Membership  Chair  College representatives  Scottish Funding Council  Local Councils  HMIe  Skills Development Scotland  SQA  SWAP  Learning & Teaching Scotland  Scottish Government  Scotland’s Colleges  Scottish Prison Service  Skills for Logistics

Next Steps: Get Involved  Increased government emphasis on need for nationally recognised skills development programmes to ensure future economic prosperity  Importance of modernising qualifications: college portfolio review  Potential to resource developments in time of economic constraint  Look at the NQGA development schedule  Find out more – contact the development team to arrange a visit  Today’s Event! Your questions answered