Much has been written in recent years on the topic of competency-based training. In the context of recent training policies in Britain, the S/NVQ system has received a great deal of attention and publicity. Unfortunately, most of it is controversial and open to criticism. The promoters of the system tend to highlight the positive attributes and its benefits in terms of employee development. Much of its inherent faults and failures are ignored or glossed over, mostly with promises of imminent improvements or future restructuring. Similarly, the critics and detractors of S/NVQs tend to highlight the system’s failures and shortcomings, and overlook some of the obvious benefits attributable to it. Thus, it appears that, in the context of the relative decline of the British economy, S/NVQs have added a new dimension to the ongoing training debate. On close scrutiny of the available empirical evidence, however, it soon becomes obvious that this ‘training initiative’ has had a limited impact upon the competitiveness of the British economy. Furthermore, 10 years after its inception, its value and/or significance to the skill base of the British Industry remains unproven. Typically, the debate surrounding S/NVQs is fought on ideological or theoretical grounds. The paucity of independent empirical research on this topical issue is perhaps symptomatic of the extent, bitterness and dogmatism of the debate. Equally, however, it could also reflect upon the direction, funding and tight control of academic research in contemporary Britain. © 2000 Journal of Vocational Education and Trainin. All rights reserved.
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