Press Release
Date: Tues 8 February 2005 (NR/04/05)
CONSULTATION LAUNCHED ON DEVELOPING A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR ACHIEVEMENT
“We are aiming to create a framework that will make it easier for both learners and employers to understand and recognise the value of qualifications and their learning outcomes” commented CCEA Chief Executive Gavin Boyd at today’s launch of a public consultation on a proposed new framework for achievement for young people and adults.
The new framework is aimed at replacing the present the National Qualifications Framework which includes over 4000 qualifications offered by more than 100 awarding bodies. Present problems include a confusing array of names for broadly similar qualifications, overlaps in provision, and lack of clarity for employers and learners when trying to compare the value of qualifications.
Mr Boyd continued:
“CCEA is proposing a framework that is less complex, more responsive to learners’ needs and recognises a wider range of achievements. In parallel with similar consultations in England and Wales , CCEA wants to hear from employers, colleges, training organisations, learners and other interested parties in Northern Ireland as to what they think of what’s being proposed.”
“One of the most exciting aspects of the proposals is that under the new framework for achievement there is the opportunity for employers and community based organisations to gain recognition for in-house training programmes. We hope that this will lead to a range of benefits including improved skills levels within the Northern Ireland workforce and better staff retention and career development opportunities”
The consultation lasts until Friday 29 th April. The consultation document and response pack can be found on the CCEA website: www.rewardinglearning.com/development/qualifications/qualifications.html
Alternatively please call or email Caroline Egerton at CCEA on (028) 9026 1452, cegerton@ccea.org.uk
The launch will take place at the
Stormont Suite, Stormont Hotel, Belfast
10.30 am, Tuesday 8 February 2005 .
PROGRAMME
Registration
Welcome and opening remarks - Alan Lennon, CCEA Chairman
Keynote address - Guest Speaker
Introducing the consultation - Gavin Boyd, CCEA Chief Executive
Responses -This will provide an opportunity for initial comment on the proposals from a range of perspectives
Contributors:
David Hatton, Chief Executive, Engineering Training Council
Brian Turtle, Director and Chief Executive, Belfast Institute
Carol Philips, Director of Human Resources, Bombardier Aerospace
LUNCH
An optional seminar will be held in the afternoon from 2.00pm – 3.30pm to facilitate in-depth discussion of the proposals outlined in the consultation document.
Media enquiries to Ruth Maguire on (028) 9026 1216, Mobile 07796947993. E mail rhmaguire@ccea.org.uk
ENDS
Note to Editors
CCEA is the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
CCEA places learners and those who have a concern for their educational and personal development at the forefront of its thinking. CCEA's mission is:
"To enable the full potential of all learners to be achieved and recognised"
What we do
CCEA is a unique educational body in the UK , bringing together the three areas of curriculum, examinations and assessment.
Advising Government – on what should be taught in Northern Ireland ’s schools and colleges.
Monitoring Standards – ensuring that the qualifications and examinations offered by awarding bodies in Northern Ireland are of an appropriate quality and standard.
Awarding Qualifications
– as Northern Ireland’s leading awarding body we offer a diverse range of qualifications, such as GCSEs, including the new GCSE Double Award specifications in vocational subjects, GCE A and AS levels, Entry Level Qualifications, and Graded Objectives in Modern Languages.
- CCEA also offers a range of Awards and Certificates in Education, Training and Skills (ACETS) targeted at learners who want to get
the knowledge, understanding and skills needed
to hit the ground running in the world of work.
