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Vocational Qualifications in Wales, 2006/07

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Vocational Qualifications in Wales, 2006/07

The latest National Statistics on vocational qualifications in the UK produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) were released on 26 February 2008 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.

National Statistics KitemarkThese Headline Statistics on vocational qualifications (specifically NVQs and VRQs) include more detailed data for Wales for the period up to the end of September 2007. These Headline Statistics update the statistics previously released on 18 April 2007.

The key points are:

  • 41,150 NVQs and 65,540 VRQs were awarded in Wales.
  • The number of NVQs awarded in Wales increased by 4 per cent compared with 2005/06 and continues the upward trend since 2001/02.
  • There have been large increases in the number of VRQs awarded in the past few years. However this can be mainly attributed to the increase in the number of awarding bodies returning information.
  • 62 per cent of NVQs and VRQs awarded were to people aged 21 and over.
  • 53 per cent of NVQs and VRQs were awarded through Further Education and Higher Education Institutions.
  • VRQs accounted for 92 per cent of all NVQs and VRQs awarded through schools.  The number of VRQs awarded also outnumbered NVQs at FE/HE Institutions with 68 per cent.
  • 49 per cent of NVQs and VRQs were awarded at Level 2.
  • VRQs accounted for 81 per cent of all level 1, 54 per cent of all level 2 and 61 per cent of all level 3 NVQs and VRQs awarded.

The number of awarding bodies returning information has increased in the past few years, and now stands at 47 awarding bodies for both NVQs and VRQs.

NVQs are competence-based qualifications built on national occupational standards and criteria established by the regulatory authorities in England and Wales. VRQs are designed to provide candidates with the relevant skills and knowledge needed for their chosen vocational area.  They are related to employment and give learners the option to either train for a different career or to advance within their chosen occupation.

Further information can be found on the Department for Children, Schools & Families website.

Contact:
Tel: 029 2082 5378
E-mail: post16ed.stats@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Next Update:
April 2009 (provisional - to be confirmed on the Due Out Soon page)