The status of Key Skills research within the UK NVQ (National Vocational
Qualifications) system reflects its evolving role in vocational education and workforce development. Here’s an overview:
1. Integration into the NVQ System
Key Skills were initially embedded in the NVQ framework as essential competencies aimed at improving employability.
These skills include:
Communication
Application of Number
Information Technology
Working with Others
Problem Solving
Improving Own Learning and Performance
They were designed to complement vocational qualifications by addressing general employability skills applicable across sectors.
2. Shift Toward Functional Skills
In recent years, the emphasis has shifted from traditional Key Skills to Functional Skills in areas like English, Mathematics, and ICT. Functional Skills aim to provide learners with practical, real-world abilities needed for modern workplaces.
Functional Skills have largely replaced Key Skills in many NVQ and apprenticeship frameworks, reflecting a demand for applied competencies over theoretical knowledge.
3. Focus of Current Research
Research into Key Skills now often aligns with broader investigations into core and transferable skills for the 21st-century workforce. Key areas include:
Measuring the impact of Key Skills training on employability outcomes.
