The following statement has been drafted to answer some of the concerns that participants in the BAJR forum have in relation to the NVQ in archaeological practice and its place within the revised Validation system for individual entry into the Institute of Field Archaeologists.
As previously stated, an NVQ is a vocational qualification designed to measure the competence an individual has in their current role. It is a work based qualification, gained by carrying out archaeological work, not by attending taught courses at a learning institution. It is not specifically a means of acquiring new skills or training, although skills or training needs are identified as part of the process, and so the project that has developed the NVQ has a different aim to that which runs the Workplace Learning Bursaries (which are designed to fill specific skills gaps within the sector). The aim of the NVQ is to give archaeologists a means of demonstrating they are competent to do their job. This can benefit them in formally accrediting skills learnt #8216;on-the-job#8217;, finding new jobs and joining the IFA if they wish.
The IFA#8217;s NVQ is awarded by EDI. The following is taken from their website (
http://www.ediplc.com/n-svqs.asp):
"In order to achieve an NVQ or SVQ, a learner must demonstrate that he/she is working to the national occupational standard. Learners are normally assessed through observation by a qualified assessor experienced in that industry. Learners will provide evidence from their job role demonstrating their competence. They will also be assessed (for example by their assessor or through formal tests such as technical certificates) in the knowledge required by the standards."
It makes no difference whether you are working full time, part time, for different companies, self employed or have any other employment pattern, or indeed are involved in archaeology in a voluntary capacity, the evidence collected is not specific to who you work for. The focus is on selecting evidence that demonstrates your competence in the areas you are being assessed on.
The NVQ was developed as part of a long running project by the Archaeology Training Forum (of which IFA is part) to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the sector and apply them to training and assessment material. Currently, two levels have been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (3 and 4) with a Level 5 in development. The initial project to develop NOS culminated in the publication of a substantial report "Project to define professional functions and standards in archaeological practice. Final Report" Carter and Robertson 2002, which is available on the IFA website (
http://www.archaeologists.net/modules/ic...hp?page=41). The IFA has regularly posted news items and articles in The Archaeologists that refer to the results of this report and the development of the NVQ, and Council and our Committees have been regularly informed and consulted as the work has progressed, especially over the last 12 months. The project report and, in particular, the National Occupational Standards have underpinned IFA#8217;s work on training and skills over the past five years.
The NVQ is relevant to the Validation process because it tests an individual#8217;s technical competence, which is what part of the Validation process does as well. The requirements of the NVQ have been subject to a detailed comparison with the requirements of the IFA Validation process to ensure that there is a match across. Applicants with a level 3 NVQ can apply for membership at PIFA level without having to submit a portfolio of work with their application because they will have already submitted a much larger portfolio of work to their NVQ assessor which tests the same areas. Level 3 NVQ actually requires slightly more of applicants than PIFA level of the IFA does and so entering the IFA by this route is in no way an easy option or 'cop out'. If an applicant has NVQ at level 3 but wishes to apply at AIFA or MIFA level, they will need to apply in the usual manner. Similarly an applicant with a level 4 NVQ can apply at AIFA level without needing to submit a portfolio of work but not MIFA level. Ethical competence still needs to be assessed if you have an NVQ and so references are still required.
The IFA is aware that the current costs may be prohibitive to many people. We are currently investigating funding methods, and several employers have registered an interest in paying to put their staff through the NVQ. By becoming an assessment centre themselves this can reduce their costs.
The IFA is not alone in developing NVQs for its sector and linking them to entry procedures. The RICS website outlines the uses of NVQs and the courses that it runs:
http://www.rics.org/MyRICS/NVQs/nvq_faq_C_101007.htm
If anybody has further questions they can contact Kate Geary, the IFA#8217;s Training and standards coordinator, at
kate.geary@archaeologists.net
