I think the idea of the qualifications are in theory a very good thing but unfortunately in practise do not give the assurances of workmanship that they should.
Lets take the
NVQ level 2 in wall and floor tiling. For a start where is level 1? There is not one, so in effect there is nothing to distinguish the tilers that have been in the job for some years and those that have just began there carer as a
tiler. If you hold an NVQ2 you are classed as competent in your trade. But there is a world of difference between having a basic understanding of and being competent in the trade. Over the years I have seen enough goings on to now that a portfolio based qualification is insufficient to declare competence. In my opinion the system is flawed. I have had a look at a draft for the new diploma and have to say it’s not bad. It will be interesting to see the criteria for competency in stone fitting and also if it is written by a stone fitter, as most of the criteria for tiling has been written by carpenters and plasterers.
