Part of the second wave of employers to achieve Awarding Body status, PLASA has been working with the QCA to conform to the rigorous standards set to become a QCA accredited awarding body.
The development of a Level 1 Trainee Rigger programme for 'new entrants' into the industry will start in the summer of 2008 and will cover the core skills required for rigging in any sector and provide a pathway for someone trying to reach the Level 2 certificate. This will involve training and on the job work experience before assessment at Level 2.
PLASA will be working with employers in the Live Event sector and the QCA to develop the units that make up the qualification, ensuring that it is 'fit for purpose' and delivering candidates who have the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
The recognition of PLASA as an awarding body is part of the current reform of the vocational qualifications system, which includes QCA's development of a new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF). The QCF creates a more flexible system that enables learners to build qualifications up from units which allow them to control their own pace of learning by gaining qualifications over time. The framework is currently being trialled in many different businesses and sectors.
Various options are now available for employers to provide nationally recognised training for their staff. Employers may choose to become awarding bodies in their own right, as the MoD, McDonald's, Flybe and Network Rail have done. Employers may also work with further education providers or representative organisations - such as PLASA.
More than 30 other employers have also already had their training nationally accredited by working in partnership with existing awarding bodies. This wide range of new opportunities for employers to have bespoke training accredited greatly expands the ways in which skills gaps can be addressed and learners can gain credit and recognition for their hard work and achievements.
Backed by £1 million of funding from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, QCA is working with the CBI and the National Employer Service to invite more employers to become involved in an expanded accreditation programme.
John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said: "To drive up the nation's skills, this Government is determined to recognise and promote excellence in training, wherever it is delivered.
"Not only will employers and learners benefit from the new and flexible qualifications system but increasing the skills base in the country will benefit us on the bigger stage. That's why I am pleased to announce an additional £1 million to support employers who want to become part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework."
Ken Boston, QCA's chief executive said: "Today we're announcing the second group of employers to be given official awarding body status, including PLASA. Employers, whether in the private or public sectors, are demanding a more flexible and focused system of qualifications. By becoming awarding bodies themselves, these employers are in a position to offer their staff high quality training that is specifically work-based, but provides the long-needed accreditation of employee learning that can be valued throughout their working lives. We invite all employers and providers interested in participating in this programme to contact us."
Nicky Greet, Professional Development Manager at PLASA comments: "The real benefit of us becoming an awa
