The Government wishes to develop generic, transferable skills in the workforce in order to facilitate their employability in an economy which will be increasingly based on knowledge and information. These Key Skills are as follows:

Key Skills qualifications are structured in a similar format to NVQs and are categorised in 5 levels of competence which range from the equivalent of GCSE grade D - G to first degree level. Key Skills will be integrated within all sectors of the training and education system. They will be designated as an integral part of GCSE and higher level courses offered by schools and colleges and Modern Apprenticeships undertaken in the workplace.

The Strategic Defence Review requires the Services to give all new recruits the opportunity to gain Key Skills within two years of joining. To achieve this we are identifying the opportunities that already exist within our current training through which Key Skills could be gained and, where possible, ensure that civilian-recognised qualifications are available to all.

If you require further information please contact your Personal Learning Advisor in your Learning Centre.

Useful links:

City & Guilds - what key skills they can provide

Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations - UK awarding body, committed to providing qualifications that engage learners of all ages at school, college, in work or through part-time learning

Qualifications & Corriculum Agency - Develop the curriculum, improve and deliver assessments, and review and reform qualifications