Scottish Vocational Qualifications – SVQ’s – were introduced in 1989 as part of a drive to improve the skills of the British Workforce.  They are recognised throughout the UK, across Europe and worldwide.  They are known as SVQs in Scotland (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) and NVQs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (National Vocational Qualifications).

SVQs tell you exactly what someone has achieved through learning and training for an occupation.  This means that anyone who has an S/NVQ for their job is competent, and has a way to prove it.

SVQs are based on standards of competence.  These standards are drawn up by organisations called lead bodies on behalf of the industry, and tell you exactly what you have to do to prove you are competent in the occupation the S/NVQ covers.  This means that if you have an S/NVQ you have a qualification, which guarantees that you have the skills, knowledge and abilities you need in your occupation.