ABSTRACT
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) were launched in the United Kingdom in 1987 as a framework for rationalising what was described at the time as the 'jungle' of existing vocational qualifications. NVQs were the first national attempt to base vocational qualifications on the idea of competence. A qualifications framework, like any other instrument of educational policy, is always introduced in order to overcome or alleviate particular problems that have arisen in a particular historical and political context. The NVQ outcomes model fits neatly into the English tradition of Awarding and Examining Bodies which are relatively autonomous from both the State and from colleges, schools and other providers of learning programmes. NVQs were designed by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) and a government agency in association with employer-led sectoral bodies. Another significant factor in England was that the NVQ outcomes model, because it could certify any type of learning or skills at any level was supported by some progressive educationalists.
