COMMENT
Page 95
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The news that the first quarter of 1995 saw a sharp increase in the numbers of
people being awarded National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications in motor industry disciplines is interesting and encouraging. We have championed this important cause many times and it appears now that the message is striking home. But what oF the results? Is it only the large companies that are bothering and are there any really practical benefits? According to the Motor Industry Training Standards Council, significant numbers of commercial vehicle manufacturers, operators and dealerships are now taking the NVQ scheme seriously. Level 3 qualifications in the heavy vehicle sector have risen from 69 in 1994 to 166 so far in 1995.
While traditionalists favour the examination-based system and doubt the virtues of continual, in-house assessment—many now appreciate the flexibility offerec. At the core of the NVQ is the objective of maximising individual competency in all respects, not just in terms of technical knowledge. This is a valid and worthwhile goal which should benefit any business, large or small.