Advisor
The introduction of the National Framework of Qualifications in 2003 was an important development for those responsible for advising learners and others. Indeed, the Qualifications Authority has been communicating with the guidance community in particular, since before the NFQ was launched, and has benefited greatly from their support. The following section outlines some of the areas of the NFQ that are of particular interest to those who work in an advisory capacity.
The NFQ: An advisor perspective
The NFQ provides a structure (a framework), aimed at simplifying the Irish qualifications system in an effort to increase understanding amongst all stakeholders. The NFQ is a system of ten levels, based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence and incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning, wherever it is gained. Qualifications achieved in school (SEC), further education and training (FETAC) and higher education and training (HETAC, the DIT, the Universities) are all included.
Prior to the introduction of the NFQ, it was extremely difficult to compare and contrast the level and standard of different qualifications.From an advisor perspective this created some difficulties in terms of being able to fully advise and assist learners in making informed choices about their education and training plans. The 'fan diagram' 
which illustrates the national qualifications system in an integrated manner shows how the NFQ can be used as an advisory tool.
Establishment of consistent standards in education and training, the promotion of quality, increasing access, transfer and progression opportunities for learners and the ability to understand and compare qualifications at home and abroad i.e., qualifications recognition are the cornerstone of the NFQ. All of these issues are central to the learner and, as a consequence, of fundamental importance to those providing advice to learners.
Apart from major awards, the NFQ also includes qualifications that are awarded for the achievement of smaller packages of learning. It thereby offers a concrete means of valuing learning throughout one's lifetime, whether it be gained formally or informally, through an education and training institution or, for instance, the workplace.
The international and European dimension of the NFQ is also very important from an advisor perspective. There is an increased emphasis on the importance of mobility to learners, employers and the economies to which they contribute. The NFQ has provided a tool by which international qualifications can be compared against. This benefits learners traveling to this country with qualifications gained outside the State and learners with national qualifications wishing to travel abroad. The introduction of the European initiative Europass and the services of Qualifications Recognition are both significant in this respect.
The NFQ is at an advanced stage of implementation and advisors can now identify qualifications that are recognised through the NFQ.
You can visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. You may also wish to explore further by using the About the NFQ and the Publications and Resources pages.
If you have any unanswered queries, please contact us via email or telephone.
Presentation for Secondary School Students!
A PowerPoint presentation has been designed to help you, as a guidance counsellor, explain the National Framework of Qualifications to your students. Please click here to view the NFQ presentation
.
Feedback regarding the usefulness of this presentation is very welcome. Please e-mail us on info@nqai.ie with any comments.
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