The government has recently announced it is finally ‘all systems go’ for the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), but what does this actually mean for the leisure industry?

In a nutshell, the QCF is a new framework for awarding and recognising qualifications at all levels in all fields. The idea is to make the qualifications system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland easier to understand, more relevant to the needs of employers, and more flexible and accessible to learners.

From December 2010, all accredited vocational qualifications will sit in the Framework, and each will be assigned a level, and a credit value. The level (entry level, then 1 to 8 ) indicates the degree of difficulty, so for example a level 2 qualification is equivalent in difficulty (not size) to an A*-C GCSE; level 3 is equivalent in difficulty to an A level, etc. The credit value indicates the size of the qualification, with 1 credit representing 10 hours of learning, and this in turn determines whether it is called an Award (1 to 12 credits), a Certificate (13 to 36 credits), or a Diploma (37 or more credits).

Credits can also be thought of as the building blocks of the Framework, because they can be collected up and banked so that a qualification can be achieved over time by completing bite-sized chunks of learning, and in some cases, credits achieved in one piece of learning can also be used towards a completely different qualification. This is particularly attractive for many people within our industry, such as those who work part time, or in a voluntary capacity, or are looking to use their skills and knowledge in a different field.

Another key benefit is that when someone is applying for a job, the potential employer will be able to instantly recognise and understand both the level and size of the applicant’s qualifications; at present for example, anything can be called a Diploma, but how long has the holder of it studied, and to what degree of challenge?

In conjunction with wider-ranging vocational qualification reform currently underway, the Framework is intended to lead us into a qualifications landscape which is clearer to everyone, more flexible and accessible, and reduces the huge number of qualifications currently on offer within the leisure industry to a more manageable and comprehensible selection which properly meets the needs of those working or wanting to work in the industry, and employers.

SkillsActive is at the forefront of these developments and is continuing to work closely with industry as well as regulatory authorities to achieve this at this challenging yet exciting time.