NVQs and Vocational Training
An NVQ assesses what someone can already do. Rather than following a training programme, the candidate builds a portfolio of evidence from their day-to-day work, and an assessor confirms they meet the national standard.
That makes NVQs a good fit for experienced staff who are already competent but have no formal qualification behind them.
NVQs are employer-funded. Get in touch and we’ll confirm costs and timescales for your team.
Our NVQs and vocational qualifications
Machine Printing and Print Finishing
For machine operatives on single or multi-unit presses and staff across print finishing. Assessed on setting up and running presses, maintaining quality through a run, handling materials and consumables, and operating finishing equipment safely. Evidence comes from real production work, so nobody leaves the floor.
Design and Pre-Press
For studio and pre-press staff in a commercial production environment, covering digital artwork, digital pre-press or digital print production. Assessed on originating and amending artwork, file preparation and checking, colour management, and proofing for output. Evidence comes from live client jobs rather than set exercises.
Carton Manufacture
For operatives and technicians across the range of roles in carton manufacturing. Assessed on production processes and equipment, materials handling and specification, quality checks, and working to schedules and targets. Because it covers the breadth of the environment, it suits staff who move between processes.
Print Administration and Planning
For estimators, planners, schedulers and print administrators — office roles that depend on real production knowledge. Assessed on planning and scheduling, record keeping, quality checks, and the judgement applied when jobs change. Also covers how candidates contribute to improving working practices.
Business Administration
For administrators and coordinators developing core skills in record and document production, planning and organising, and project management. Assessed on prioritising competing demands, supporting projects, and communicating with internal and external contacts. Nothing about it is print-specific, so it suits office staff anywhere in the business.
Leadership and Management
Three standalone qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5, so the qualification matches the seniority of the role. Assessed on leading a team, managing performance and development, delivering against objectives, and — at higher levels — managing resources and budgets. Evidence comes from real management responsibilities, not case studies.
Not sure which qualification fits?
Most employers come to us knowing they want staff qualified, but not whether that means an apprenticeship or an NVQ. The distinction is straightforward.
An apprenticeship develops someone into a role — recruiting a new starter, or moving existing staff into new responsibilities. It’s a structured programme with off-the-job training and a formal assessment at the end, funded through your levy or by government.
An NVQ recognises what someone can already do. There’s no minimum duration, no off-the-job training requirement and no end-point assessment, so it fits around production. NVQs are employer-funded.
If the skills are already there and what’s missing is the certificate, an NVQ is usually the right route. If you’re building capability that doesn’t exist yet, look at an apprenticeship.
Talk it through with us and we’ll tell you which applies to your team — including where a mix of both makes sense.