This qualification would be appropriate to anyone using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to input or output information in all areas of the working environment in, for example:
More specifically the category of worker who is likely to qualify for an NVQ at Level 1 includes:
This list is not exhaustive and only serves to illustrate the breadth of the qualification.
It can be noted that competence at this level would involve the application of knowledge in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which are routine and predictable.
To achieve the full award, candidates must complete five mandatory units and three optional units. This structure is intended to reflect the mix of activities surrounding the core activity of using Information Communication Technology as a productivity tool at Level 1.
On completion of the full NVQ candidates are awarded an NVQ Certificate while a Statement of Competence can be issued to recognize unit achievement. Candidates can also take additional units, although these are not required to complete the qualification.
The mandatory units cover:
Tasks that require the use of ICT will generate for the candidate some form of output which will as a result of the processes involved provide valuable evidence of performance. To support the claim to competence it may be worthwhile to ask candidates to retain the output produced from various tasks done. The final output does not have to be the only form of evidence as the output produced at various stages during the completion of a task is also evidence of competence.
Unless otherwise stated in the unit, evidence of competence may come from how you perform on a paid or unpaid job in the workplace and/or it may come from simulation.
It is recommended that unit 1 ‘Make Selective Use of ICT’ is best done in parallel with other units so that the evidence (e.g. justifications of why the candidate has used a particular piece of software) arises naturally out of the evidence being produced for the other units.
A person capable of achieving this qualification must typically have 13 weeks or more experience in using ICT prior to being assessed for competence at this level.
The use of ICT is surrounded by specific as well as general legislation and statute. Candidates will be expected to understand how the legislation impacts on their organisation and must also acknowledge their organisation’s regulations and be able to interpret and advise their colleagues and other users of the importance of this.
As the standards are written to be independent of product and hardware we have developed unit and key word descriptors to express what is meant. These standards focus on the use of ICT, associated hardware and software, support of oneself and others, maintaining and improving the ICT environment in the development of the host organisation. The nature and scope of implementation of these standards are so diverse we offer a few examples of job roles and some guidance on the nature of evidence, which may be collected as a consequence of workplace activities.
