Skills of support staff recognised with NVQ

Level 2 NVQ and SVQ qualifications in Optical Retailing have been approved by the qualifications and curriculum authority (QCA) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). It is the first NVQ/SVQ qualification, based on the National Occupational Standards, to have been produced specifically for retail optics. Assessments for the qualification take place in the workplace, the Optical Sector Steering Group which has overseen progress towards the qualification, said this week. Qualification comprises five mandatory units and three from a list of eight optional units. In order to unify the training and recognition of skills throughout the UK, the National Occupational Standards in Optical Retailing have been developed by experts from various parts of the profession. These standards are designed for receptionists, optical assistants and other practice support staff 'who work in independent and group optical practices or retailing outlets'. For practice support staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland there will be two awarding bodies for the NVQ Ð City & Guilds and Edexcel, and for Scottish staff the SVQ is awarded by the SQA. John Dick, director of Awards UK which is a subsidiary of Edexcel and the SQA, said: 'We are delighted that the knowledge and skills of staff working in this sector can now be recognised through the achievement of this vocational qualification.' It will be Edinburgh-based Awards UK that will provide access to both the SVQ and the NVQ throughout the UK, and organisations who want to deliver these qualifications should contact the company at: www.awardsuk.org.uk