From 1st August, Be A Better You-Training will be in line with the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

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It will give a wider range of learners the opportunity to get the qualifications they need, in a way that suits them. QCF qualifications are designed with the help of employers so learners can be assured that they're gaining skills that employers are looking for.

What is the QCF?

The QCF is the Qualifications and Credit Framework and is a new way of recognising achievement through the award of credit for units and qualifications. There are eight levels within the QCF, entry and level 1 which forms the Foundation Learning Tier and levels 2 - 8. The level of the units and qualifications shows the difficulty level. Each unit and qualification will have a credit value which reflects how much time it takes for a learner to complete. 10 hours of learning is equal to 1 credit. There will be three sizes of qualification in the QCF:

* Awards (1- 12 credits)
* Certificates (13 - 36 credits)
* Diplomas (37+ credits)

Summary: The QCF:

• recognises smaller steps of learning and enables learners to build up qualifications bit by bit
• helps learners achieve skills and qualifications that meet industry needs
• enables work-based training to be nationally recognised.

For current students there is no difference, but for students enrolling after 1st August there will be a more flexible choice of how you gain your qualification.