The National Open College Network

The Network has recently announced that the QCA have given approval to the Intermediate Award in Developing Information, Advice and Guidance Skills. It is offered at Level Two of the National Qualification Framework, and consists of four unit credits, related to reflection on personal practice and development of a client centred approach to practice. Therefore, this qualification will be appropriate for people who have responsibility for giving Information, Advice and Guidance in a range of locations and contexts, while not pursuing Information, Advice and Guidance as a career; for people involved in general signposting as part of their work role, who would benefit from a programme of learning which would provide them with the underpinning knowledge and skills to perform their role more effectively; for people for whom Level Three Information, Advice and Guidance programmes of learning are too large a commitment in work terms; for people delivering Information, Advice and Guidance who want recognition for the work that they do.

The Qualification aims to:

• create a pathway to a career in Information, Advice and Guidance
• fill the acknowledged gap in provision for all those people giving Information, Advice and Guidance at this level
• help people who belong to the identified target groups to establish good practice and to build confidence in their ability to fulfil their role, again at the level of the qualification
• support workers giving Information, Advice and Guidance to be able to guide learners towards informed choices
• respond to the acknowledged need for Information, Advice and Guidance to be embedded within communities
• contribute to the enhancement of a learning society.

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