The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) - The way forward to a single platform
The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)
organizes qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills
and aptitude. These levels are defined in terms of learning outcomes which the
learner must possess regardless of whether they were acquired through formal,
non3formal or informal learning. In that sense, the NSQF is a quality assurance
framework. It is, therefore, a nationally integrated education and competency
based skill framework that will provide for multiple pathways, horizontal as well
as vertical, both within vocational education and vocational training and among
vocational education, vocational training, general education and technical
education, thus linking one level of learning to another higher level. This
will enable a person to acquire desired competency levels, transit to the job
market and, at an opportune time, return for acquiring additional skills to
further upgrade their competencies
The key elements of the NSQF provide:
A) National principles for recognizing
skill proficiency and competencies at different levels leading to international
equivalency.
B) Multiple entry and exit between
vocational education in, skill training, general education, technical education
and job markets
C ) Progression
pathways defined within skill qualification framework
Opportunities to promote lifelong
learning and skill development partnership with industry/employers
D) Transparent,
accountable and credible mechanism for skill development across various sectors
Increased potential for recognition
of prior learning
E ) The qualification framework is
beneficial to schools, vocational education and training providers, higher
education institutes, accrediting authorities as well as industry and its representative
bodies, unions, professional associations and licensing authorities. The
biggest beneficiaries of such a framework are the learners who can judge the
relative value of a qualification at a particular level on the framework and
make informed decisions about their career progression paths.
Thanks
Eins & Erste
