Sector qualifications strategies are a key mechanism for the delivery of the Leitch vision of employer-driven skills supply.  Cogent will be consulting extensively with employers and stakeholders to define a shared vision of the provision needed to meet the skills challenges coming from the cogent Sector Skills Agreement.

The result will be a detailed action plan identifying the key activities, which will include:

• specifying what’s required to implement Cogent’s strategic programmes for industry
• the further development of Cogent’s National Occupational Standards (NOS) which underpin sector qualifications development
• sector qualification criteria - a set of principles which future qualifications need to meet to be accredited 
• a focused strategy for the delivery of Management and Leadership skills
• the development of specific sector qualifications to meet clearly identified need

The SQS will be in place by the end of September, with an action plan by the end of December. It’s a key part of a much bigger programme to reform the vocational qualifications system in the UK.  The UKVQRP (UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme) will revolutionise the qualifications framework and the way they are delivered and funded.  The UK-wide programme is also aimed at rationalising existing sector qualifications and clearly defining those needed for individuals to enter and progress within the sector.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), who are overseeing the reform programme have stated that they recognise that employers have a central role in shaping qualifications that are designed to meet business needs, “the right mix of high-quality training, qualifications and other learning experiences will be essential if the potential of UK business is to be fully realised.”

For more information on this work and how to get involved please contact Dawn Hillier, Education and Qualifications Manager, on Tel: 01925 515211 or email [email protected]

SQS Final Approval Draft

Please click here to download the SQS Final Draft.
Please click here to downland the SQS Final Draft Appendices

SQS 12 month action plan

Following on from the publication of the Cogent Sector Qualification Strategy in October 2007 we have produced a detailed Action Plan to take forward our vision for future qualifications.The Action Plan covers the 12 month period to January 2009.It includes detailed qualifications reform and a series of partnership projects with NSAPI, NSAN, the LSC, Regulatory Bodies, Awarding Bodies and other stakeholders.

Amongst the headline projects will be the creation of smaller, bite-sized qualifications to cover the content of the existing NVQs in:

• Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petro-Chemical Operations;
• Refinery Field Operations;
• Refinery Control Room Operations;
• Nuclear Decommissioning; and
• Radiation Protection.

These new qualifications, and other planned developments, will form the basis of the Gold Standard/Nuclear Credit frameworks.

Please click here to download SQS Action Plan
Please click here to download Action Plan Outcomes