Additional support for those that support

Organisations are to be offered greater help to build effective support networks following the launch of a new range of advice and guidance awards from national qualification provider NCFE.

The NCFE NVQ Advice and Guidance qualifications, which are available to study at level 2, level 3 and level 4, allow learners to study different aspects of advice and guidance services.

The qualifications cover core elements including communication skills, supporting clients and candidates reviewing their own contributions and services.

Candidates can also study a range of areas including interacting with clients, operating within networks, mediation, facilitating learning groups, support in formal procedures, negotiating and maintaining service agreements and integrating and promoting Careers Education Guidance (CEG).

The qualifications are aimed at staff at all levels from receptionists and administration staff to managers and HR directors. They are suitable across a range of sectors and can be used through a range of services including schools, colleges, universities, prison services, trade unions, voluntary organisations and charities.

David Grailey, Chief Executive at NCFE, said: “This is a really exciting time for NCFE. Although there are other NVQs available in the marketplace, it’s our wraparound customer service that marks us out as different to our competitors.

“These qualifications have been carefully developed to assist anyone who has to offer any level of advice or guidance within their job role. This can include receptionists, who are a businesses first point of contact, through to HR directors and union advisors.”

NCFE’s ‘Plain and Simple’ NVQs are written in plain English and have been designed to be easy to deliver and administrate, customer friendly and backed up with exceptional, award-winning, customer service and expertise.

NCFE has even reduced the number pages in each qualification by up to 59 per cent – compared to other NVQs on the market – to ensure that they are clear, concise and use plain English wherever possible.

NCFE will be rolling out a complete range of NVQs in areas including Arts, Media and Publishing and Leisure, Travel and Tourism across the next two years.a