Since 2008, the Level 3 NVQ in Archaeological Practice has set the bar for skills and knowledge required at entry level to the profession against a nationally recognised framework of competence – the National Occupational Standards.
The NVQ was meant to broaden the sector’s capacity by providing an alternative qualification for those without a degree. It was developed for ambitious school leavers, for career changers, and for those with specialist skills acquired on the job but no formal qualification to show employers. It also offered a means for graduates and postgraduates to distinguish their CVs in a crowded job market during the recession.
Over ten years we have learned that the NVQ isn’t for everyone – it depends what skills you want to accredit and where you want to be employed in the future for it to have value. So, has the qualification done its job? In the article below (published in TA 103) we asked employers in commercial practice, some of our NVQ Assessors and previous candidates what they think. A couple of our candidates have also recorded a short video about why they found the NVQ in Archaeological Practice relevant to them.
- Ten years of the NVQ in Archaeological Practice - TA article
- Watch our short videos from two of our NVQ candidates about their experiences
Please visit our NVQ in Archaeological Practice web page for more information.
