Sector Qualification Strategy
Lifelong Learning UK's Sector Qualification Strategy (SQS) is a four countries' initiative to develop a cohesive approach to qualifications to meet the needs of the sector over the next ten years. The SQS will be developed in consultation with employers and stakeholders in each of the four countries and the final product will consist of an overarching UK strategy. National action plans will follow agreement on the strategy and will include an ongoing process for monitoring and updating qualifications.
The SQS project is funded by the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) and phase 3 will be implemented between October 2007 and July 2008 in the first instance. It will become an embedded process, which is responsive to changes in the working environment and able to underpin the development of flexible fit-for-purpose qualifications. Building on the process of the Sector Skills Agreement, and linking with it through the review process and the qualification reform agenda, the SQS is likely to lead to:
- the removal of old and disused qualifications
- the identification of qualifications gaps
- the addressing of future qualifications needs
- qualifications being fit-for-purpose
- the development of an inclusive process for the ongoing review of qualifications.
For further details about the SQS, please visit the SSDA website, which contains draft strategies from phase1, guidance and quality standards.
