Noticeboard

New Qualifications Information & Documentation

As with previous qualification documentation, the new material will be attached to each route and level once you have signed in on the website.   You can find qualification information and associated documents in two ways:

 Via website navigation

• Click the "qualifications" tab at the top right of the IMI Awards website
• Select one of the subgroups
  - Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF)
  - Functional skills and other life skills
  - National Qualification Framework (NQF)
  - Accreditations
• Click the appropriate qualification type
• Click the appropriate route and level from the table
• All documents associated with the chosen qualification appear at the bottom of the page    (if signed in)

Via website search function:

• Type the qualification title or number into the search engine and hit enter (eg 500/9818/4  - Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles)
• All documents associated with chosen qualification appear at the bottom of the page  (if signed in) 

Click here for latest list of qualification numbers, titles, registration and expiry dates

Some of the documents are still being finalised and will be uploaded over the next few days.   If you require documents that are not currently available, call us on 01992 519038 and we will do what we can to assist.

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NQF to QCF Mapping Documents

IMI Awards have created mapping documents that will assist our approved centres with the transition from the NQF to QCF Level 2 and 3 qualifications.

They provide information on what the main differences are per route and where they are not comparable.

 Click here to view

You will need to be logged on to the website to view this page.

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Foundation Learning - NEW UPDATED VERSIONS

The NEW Foundation Learning - Entry 3 and Level 1 qualifications will be available to register on from 1 November 2010.

Many of the units have been updated but the main differences from the current version are:

• Inclusion of new level 2 technical units from the apprenticeship framework in the level 1 qualification to aid progression
• Inclusion of low carbon technology unit in the level 1 qualifications 
• Removal of the PSD units from the qualifications (PSD units now a separate qualification)

You can view the NEW foundation learning and PSD qualifications and paperwork on our website.

You also can use the separate PSD qualifications alongside the current versions from 1 September which will increase the overall point's value.

The current version of the foundation learning qualifications will be withdrawn for registration after 31 October 2010

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Young Apprenticeships - Level 2 Diploma Vehicle Inspection

IMI Awards have developed a new Level 2 Diploma qualification aimed at the 14-16 young apprenticeship market.

Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Inspection (QCF)
Qual Ref: 501/1213/2  -  Documentation will be available for this qualification shortly

This level 2 knowledge and skills qualification is primarily designed to meet the needs of Young Apprenticeships.  It suits school and college leavers who wish to join the automotive industry.

It provides learners with the opportunity to study both the theory and practical aspects of a range of routine vehicle inspection, fitting and maintenance procedures.

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Alternative to ePortfolio - Automated Tracking Sheets

As a helpful alternative to assist our centres, IMI Awards have developed a series of automated tracking sheets (Excel) that are pre-populated with all the units and tasks for the following new Level 2 and 3 QCF qualification routes:

• Light Vehicle L2  (updated published version)  L3 to follow
• Heavy Vehicle
• Motorcycle
• Auto Electrical
• Body Repair
• Paint
• MET

Tracking sheets will be available to download as documentation from Friday 3 September as described at the top of the page and in the latest e-newsletter (New Qualification Information and Documentation).

The spreadsheets come with helpful instructions on how to complete and use.

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Apprenticeship Framework Update

As the current Apprenticeships Framework (Framework 4) is now drawing to a close the IMI have been developing new Apprenticeship Frameworks.

Framework 5.1 will be implemented from September 2010 with new starters being registered up until March 2011. This Framework will incorporate the new QCF qualifications which are based upon the newly developed National Occupational Standards. As an extension of Key Skills has been announced, this Framework will offer the option to enroll new starters on Key Skills or the new Functional Skills. However after March 2011 the Framework will need to change in relation to legislative requirements around Employer Rights and Responsibility, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills and Functional skills (England), Core Skills (Scotland) or Essential skills (NI) and Essential Skills Wales. 

Framework 5.2 will be implemented from April 2011. This Framework will potentially be specific for each nation due to the detailed requirements that have been identified. As part of this review the IMI is looking at how the Frameworks are broken down;  In order to provide reliable labour market intelligence, we may change the way that Frameworks are developed and implemented - creating more frameworks with less pathways - but this is something that will be up for consultation with the industry.

The IMI is currently identifying individuals that would be willing to be part of an Apprenticeship Framework Approvals group. They would need to understand Standards and Frameworks and be prepared to meet with the IMI. It is envisaged this will be up to 3 times per year.

For more information, please contact  Laurab@motor.org.uk  or  Glennc@motor.org.uk

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Key Skills in Apprenticeships to be extended to March 2011

John Hayes announced at the recent ALP summer conference that Key Skills will be extended until March 2011 for use in Apprenticeship Frameworks.

This will allow providers the choice of offering either Functional Skills or Key Skills until 31 March 2011. The Minister also stressed that this is a temporary measure to allow more flexibility for providers whilst they finalise their preparations for delivery of Functional Skills from April 2011, when the new Apprenticeship Frameworks are due to come into force. Also, for post 19 learners, BIS has agreed with the Skills Funding Agency to extend funding for Wider Key Skills (Performance and Problem Solving, Working with others and Improving Own Learning), from Sept 2010 to December 2010.

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ATA Assessor workshops - UPDATE

The IMI are in the process of developing assessment workshops for ATA approved assessors.  This is to ensure that all ATA assessments are carried out to the same standard.

Current ATA Assessor routes available are Light Vehicle (Service Maintenance Technician & Diagnostic Technician), Vehicle Damage Assessor, Autoglazing and Customer Service. Further workshops will be developed over the coming months, and will be available once pilots have been completed and approved.

For further information or to register interest in attending future assessment dates,  please contact Caroline Harris at  carolineh@motor.org.uk

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Funding Information from SFA

Skills Funding Agency - Non funded NQF list

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has now published the first list of qualifications in the NQF that will not be funded for new starts from 31 July 2010.

Click here to view the list

There are 18 IMI Awards qualifications on the list where suitable alternatives are now available on the QCF. 

Updated SFA Transition Document

There is also a new SFA document which explains in more detail about the transition and further lists that will be published as NQF qualifications are withdrawn for funding. 

Click here to view the SFA transition document  -  updated document 4 June 2010

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Funding in Wales

Funding vocational qualifications on NQF and QCF in Wales

The Welsh Assembly Government has published the following information on their website regarding funding of NQF and QCF:

DCELLS will fund both NQF and QCF registered qualifications that have been approved for public funding, for the cohort of learners commencing in September 2010. This offers both freedom of choice and some stability of funding and delivery for learners and providers during the transition to the new QCF framework.

Click here for more information  in English

Click here for more information  in Welsh

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