The general national vocational qualification experience: an education or just a qualification?

Abstract

In February and March 1996 a series of interviews were conducted in six establishments offering GNVQ Business at Advanced Level: three further education colleges and three school sixth forms. Eighteen staff, including course co-ordinators, tutors responsible for the delivery of Mandatory Units and those concerned with Key Skills delivery, were involved in the study, along with 45 students. There were 26 on the first year and 18 on the second year of the two year programme. The purpose behind the interviews was to investigate what the GNVQ experience entails, and what the students can be said to leave further education with. This report gives a summary of the findings and draws a contrast with A Level study. Questions are raised about what we want from our educational programmes for young adults.