GlossaryGlossary
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A useful glossary of commonly-used terms in the education and skills sectors 14-19 Diplomas A new qualification that combines both theory and hands-on experience giving students the opportunity to gain a fully rounded education through a number of learning methods in both the classroom and the workplace. ACCAC is the National Assembly for Wales's principal advisory body on matters relating to education and qualifications. All external qualifications in Wales are regulated by ACCAC apart from NVQs, which QCA is responsible for. Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) AASE is for those young people who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in their sport. It provides a structured training and development route across technical, tactical, physical and psychological areas. Apprentices learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills, gaining qualifications and earning money all at the same time. There are different levels of Apprenticeship available. A regional network of business advisers offering advice and guidance for employers. As brokers for training courses through Learndirect they also have a range of bespoke packages that employers can purchase to improve their efficiency. Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) CoVEs offer specialist vocational learning in particular subject areas, and have close links with colleges, other providers, business partners, other employment interests and communities. Continuing professional development (CPD) A planned process to acquire knowledge, experience and skills and develop personal qualities throughout a person's working life. CPD is more than just a training plan but as the name suggests, ensures a continuous process. These are skills that people possess that allow them to complete tasks. Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) CCEA brings together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment in Northern Ireland. Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) The CQFW embraces all post-16 and higher education in Wales. Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) DCMS aim to improve the quality of life through cultural and sporting activities, to support pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure induestries. Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), aims to make this the best place in the world for children and young people to grow up. The Department’s role can be summed up as leading the whole network of people who work with or for children and young people. Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DELLS) DELLS is the principal advisory body to the National Assembly for Wales on all aspects of the school curriculum, examinations, assessment and vocational qualifications. Department for Employment & Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI) DELNI is responsible for third level education, training and a range of employment measures, all aimed at giving people the skills, knowledge and opportunities to work. Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) The DIUS are there to support those working in the Further Education system including Governors, and provide information on the latest policy developments that impact on its work. Jobs can be difficult to fill for a number of reasons: poor terms and conditions, not enough people applying, lack of work experience or skills. Jobcentre Plus offices are set up to help people of working age. They assist people in finding a job and employers to fill their vacancies. They offer advice on training and work benefits and deal with benefit claims for people of working age. A free and confidential telephone helpline and website for adults looking for information and advice on courses and careers. Qualified advisers can help with courses, advice on funding, career planning, apprenticeships or writing a CV. Learning and Skills Council (LSC) The organisation responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England. National Autistic Society (NAS) The NAS champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and which can make a positive difference to their lives National Occupational Standards NOS define the knowledge and understanding, skills and level of competence expected of individuals to perform key tasks in particular areas of work. They can be used to create job descriptions, develop training plans, identify skills shortages and define performance standards. They provide the framework against which vocational qualifications can be mapped and form the structure of the (Scottish) National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs). National Qualifications Framework (NQF) The NQF for England, Wales and Northern Ireland sets out the levels at which qualifications can be recognised. It helps learners make informed decisions on the qualifications they need, by comparing the levels of different qualifications and identifying clear progression routes to their chosen career. The National Skills Academies are employer-led centres of training excellence. Skills Academies take different shapes and forms, ranging from purpose-built training centres to online courses tailored to the needs of each sector. (Scottish) / National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs) A vocational qualification that relates directly to a person's ability to do work. It includes assessment of the practical aspects of work relevant to a particular area of employment. Personal development plan (PDP) A PDP is used mainly in education although it is becoming more widely used in industry to identify the aims of an individual not just professionally but including leisure time to develop a 'holistic' approach to personal development. Anybody undergoing training could obtain a qualification at the end of the training. However, the relevance and importance of the qualification to the industry can only be gauged by how widely recognised the qualification is. Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) The public body that maintains and develops the national curriculum and associated tests and examinations and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work. S/NVQs are approved by the QCA. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) The SCQF takes account of the range of qualifications available in Scotland Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) SQA It is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees. SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning. There are 25 sector skills councils representing industries such as media, construction, ITC and retail. This happens when people in work do not possess the required skill levels to perform their role (also known as a training gap). For example, a sports development officer earning a promotion to a management position but not having any experience of managing people. Skills shortages occur when there is an insufficient supply of skills across the labour market to meet the required demand. A hard-to-fill vacancy that is due to applicants lacking the required skills, qualifications or experience is called a skills shortage vacancy. There are many different ways of receiving training, such as distance learning, the internet, mentoring, modular and the more traditional, face-to-face with a tutor. A qualification may not be offered as a result of training. This is education and training for paid and unpaid staff and means developing skills in the workplace to ensure that all staff possess the skills to complete their work. A development plan for an organisation that identifies where the organisation is in terms of developing the skills of its staff, where it wants to go and how it intends to get there. This will involve recognising the current competencies of the workforce and any skills gaps or shortages that need to be addressed.
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