The role and function of the National Training Agency

Establishing the System of Trinidad and Tobago
National Vocational Qualifications

Competency - based Curriculum Design
TVET Council, Barbados - Ministry of Labour and Social Security,
Barbados, 19 to 23 November 2001

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Occupational Classification

The occupational classification for TTNVQs is based on the standard classification of occupations as embodied in the Dictionary of Occupations of Trinidad and Tobago (DOTT), as well as regional and international dictionaries (ILO, USA, UK and Canada). TTNVQs are based on occupational functions performed by individuals. This will shape the structure and groupings of TTNVQs.

Level Classification

The TTNVQ framework has five levels to cover all TTNVQs, from those involving largely routine activities, to those requiring the most demanding and complex occupational competencies. The scale of five levels provides clear vertical progression paths from foundation (level 1) to professional level (level 5), while the system of work-based assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) facilitates both vertical and horizontal career movement.

The levels, as described, are indicative of the band of TTNVQs accredited at each level and represent a spread rather than a single point. In placing a qualification within the framework, account is taken of the need to create a coherent, progressive pattern of qualifications rather than simply applying the level descriptors in isolation.

Development of the TTNVQ

The Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification (TTNVQ) is developed from National Occupational Standards of competence for occupational areas based on labour market needs. National occupational standards of competence are developed by industry experts from within the Lead Body of the Industry Training Organization (ITO) for each industrial sector. These occupational standard s are then converted to Occupational Training Standards and Competencies by a team of professionals within the lead body/training environment and vocational qualification specialists. Once approved by the ITO, the draft TTNVQ documents are then made available for public comment, edited, published and offered for sale to industry and training providers.

The development of the TTNVQs is an NTA function and conforms to the NTA's process and procedures for establishing the system of TTNVQs which involve the dimensions of research and planning, needs analysis, occupational standards, occupational competencies, assessment strategies, accreditation, certification, quality assurance, evaluation and public relations and marketing.

The development process for the TTNVQs is as follows:

• Planning for development of the TTNVQ
• Developing the TTNVQ -curriculum competencies
• Developing the TTNVQ -assessment and testing strategies
• Developing and editing TTNVQ documentation
• Field-testing the TTNVQ
• Evaluating field test of TTNVQ

National Occupational Standards

National occupational standards define the competencies required for effective workplace performance. They specify what a person should know or do in order to carry out the functions of a particular job in the context of the wider work environment. Standards are an agreed minimum best practice and take account of all statutory requirements.

The process for the development of standards is industry-led through Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and Lead Bodies, who work in partnership with the National Training Agency (NT A) in the development, validation and publication of national occupational standards.

Occupational Competencies

A competency is defined as the ability including the skills, knowledge and attitudes to perform a task in keeping with performance criteria. The occupational competencies are defined from the occupational standards. This major vocational qualification activity is facilitated by technical- vocational specialists from the lead body and/or an occupational advisory committee. The occupational competencies are translated into curriculum standards and competencies by providers in the delivery process.

The Occupational Competency Document

The occupational competency document primarily consists of two components:

a) the Occupational Competency Guide (OCG)
b) the Assessment and Testing Package (ATP)

The OCG is the TTNVQ document that details the competencies and situations for which assessment of the candidate is to be conducted.

The Occupational Competency Guide comprises the following components :

• Competency Profile Chart; and
• Occupational Competencies -Units and Elements.

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