Article 1998

Exporting Failure: The strange case of NVQs and overseas markets

Educational Studies
Journal · Vol. 24 · Issue 3 · pp. 369-380
Abstract

At a time when Britain's vocational education and training (VET) system and vocational qualifications are undergoing a major review and restructuring in response to critical reports about the model established under the former National Council for Vocational Qualifications, the British Council and associated agencies is currently trying to market National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) overseas. The chief weaknesses and failings of NVQs and the competence-based education and training (CBET) system on which they are based are outlined in terms of assessment anomalies and the needs of firms, trainees and employers. Since these shortcomings are so so serious, it is suggested that - until they have been remedied through the current reforms under the aegis of the new Qualifications and Curriculum Authority - it is ethically unjustifiable to export a failed VET system to countries which may be unaware of the critical research surrounding NVQs and CBET.

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Author Affiliations
Department of Continuing Education, University of Warwick, Coventry, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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References 10 References
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7 Some Key Facts about G Nvqs Awarded, (1996)
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