New print qualifications framework

Print businesses could benefit hugely from a new qualifications framework developed specifically for the industry and offering more flexibility than before.

GQA Qualifications has created the new QCF (Qualifications Credit Framework) NVQ based on input from print professionals, with the aim of imparting industry-specific skills more effectively.

The flexible approach also means more printing firms will be able to get their employees into training programmes to boost their skills.

Mick Clayton, acting chief executive of GQA Qualifications, said: "The QCF NVQ qualifications have been developed for the print industry by print professionals and give clearer guidance on what is required to prove knowledge and competence than any other qualification before.

"Although we are new to the print industry, we have worked with experts from the field to complement our expertise in developing new generation qualifications and making them available for training and assessment centres to offer."

The new framework, which will replace the existing NVQs, was hailed by industry experts.

Richard Moore, print industry lead at standards body Proskills, said: "This is a great development. The flexibility of the new qualifications will help many more companies to access the training they need and grow their business through developing the skills of their employees."

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