In the recent past, vocational training certificates were usually awarded by universities or trade bodies. Now, they are available from some businesses who offer a job which requires an NVQ. For example, in the retail industry, an NVQ is required for anyone who wants to work in a checkout counter. An additional NVQ is required for anyone who wants to work in a fast food restaurant. That’s because the latter sort of environment requires a lot more than just reading the back of a book to do the job!
The difference between these two jobs is that the former has much more involved learning than the latter. In addition to reading books and DVDs, students are expected to learn about the different food types, ingredients and nutritional information – all according to UK law! These vocational training courses are much tougher than normal courses and many vocational training programmes have a three year duration.
Now that you’re faced with the decision of attending a regular university course or earning an NVQ, what should you expect from your vocational training? The first part of any NVQ is a theory study. This covers everything from health and safety to cultural awareness and personal development. Think of it as a cross-trainee’s education, but on a smaller scale. The second part of an NVQ will involve practical training in company-run labs or on site assignments. Although students won’t be doing laboratory work under the guidance of a professor, they will still be undertaking short term courses and practicum under supervised courses.
The final part of an NVQ will consist of essays and reports. Because they cover such a wide area of topics, this part of vocational training courses are usually quite demanding. In addition to being incredibly thorough, students are also expected to write detailed and comprehensive essays. This is because the essays must be submitted for a course credit, and the higher the level of the course, the more highly prized the essay will be.
So what counts as vocational training? The most obvious thing that does is practical work. But even after students complete their courses, they are still expected to do more research on workplace etiquette and protocol. After all, doctors don’t just pop their fingers into jars! Companies are looking for people who are willing to go the extra mile in order to help improve the working environment.
The final section of what counts as vocational training courses is research and personal assessment. During the course, students will be asked to do researches on a wide range of different topics. They will have to analyze data, synthesize information, and come up with a cohesive and well-written opinion. Furthermore, students are expected to create a report based on the research findings they’ve uncovered. At the end of the assignment, students will be required to present their findings in an original and interesting manner.
What counts as vocational training can be a tricky topic to tackle? Just like any other class or topic that a student must take, it’s important to be able to think creatively on the fly. Luckily, most vocational training courses involve some form of creative writing. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too difficult to put together an original, intriguing argument when it comes to formulating your argument in the classroom. And don’t worry; there is plenty of opportunity for creativity. As long as you’re willing to be open-minded, take risks, and use your imagination, you should be fine.
