National vocational qualifications (NVQs) are designed to assess adults doing particular jobs in specific areas (for example in 'retail operation' or 'preparing and serving food').  Between the ages of 14 and 16, some pupils follow programmes that include a regular work placement and/or course at Thanet College, or with a training provider.  Through this they may gain an NVQ, or units that count towards one.

NVQs are helpful for people who want to:

• Do a work-based placement course (unlike GCSEs, in NVQs pupils actually do the work in the workplace)
• Demonstrate that they are good at a particular job
• Get qualifications that recognise work they are already doing

Pupils gain a certificate for each unit as they complete it.  When pupils are ready, an assessor will check that pupils can demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need in the workplace to do the tasks covered by the unit.  At this age pupils work towards NVQs at levels 1 and 2:

• Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades D to G
• Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grades A* to C

The highest NVQ level you can achieve is level 5.  NVQ levels are not the same as National Curriculum levels.