VRQ - Vocationally-Related Qualification
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
The qualification enables students who are not employed, the opportunity to develop occupational knowledge and carry out practical assessments.
These awards also offer the perfect step to the NVQ programme for those who are employed, and wish to continue with their studies, as the essential knowledge at Level 3 meets that of the related NVQ. Achievers of the VRQ can use them as credit against the essential knowledge required for the NVQ.
These awards support the ASL Apprenticeship Frameworks which have a technical certificate requirement. When an apprentice has achieved a Level 3 Apprenticeship, they can then choose to broaden their education and training in other ways from this firm base.
These VRQs can provide recognition of professional competence to aid individuals to step up from one job role to another, e.g. into supervisory and/or management roles, or more responsible positions in engineering.
Once an individual has achieved a Level 3 VRQ, it can prepare them for progression to, or provide access to further education, and/or higher education, for example;
•The IMI National gives the opportunity for progression in education, and within the workplace to management positions. Individuals can gain a broader breadth of learning to bridge the gap in their vocational qualifications.
•IMI Level 4 Diploma for Automotive Master Technicians (Light Vehicle Route)
•Automotive Retail Management Standards (ARMS)
•Management VQs, and other management qualifications
•Foundation degree
This qualification includes independent assessment via online testing which is graded, Pass, Merit or Distinction. These grades will be noted on the student's record of achievement. The tests are mapped to the essential knowledge of the NOS.
The assessment of the VRQ is made up of 3 components:
• IMI Practical Assessments
• IMI External Online Testing
• and Centre Devised Assessment Methods.
Practical Assessments
A minimum of 50% of each unit’s learning outcomes assessment criteria must be achieved by a student completing practical activities in a work-shop based environment.
The achievement of the 50% practical requirement is met by the use of IMI practical assessments. These assessments measure the student’s underpinning knowledge of critical vehicle areas. These practical assessments are marked by the Approved Centre and moderated by the IMI.
As an alternative to the IMI Practical Assessments, Approved Centres can also choose to use their own centre devised practical assessments to meet the requirement that 50% of each unit’s learning outcomes are met through practical activities in a work-shop based environment. These assessments must be approved by an IMI External Moderator, prior to use.
Centre Devised Assessment Methods
In addition to the practical assessments and IMI external online tests, centres should use a range of assessment methods to assess the learning outcomes, not covered by the practical assessments. The assessment methods selected for each unit should be appropriate to its aims, level of work and the learning outcomes to be achieved. This VRQ supports the delivery of ‘theory’, however all opportunities must be taken to support this with practical instruction and/or demonstration.
Typical assessment methods are included within the syllabus.
See syllabus intro and Level 2 assessments in proposal WB02002.
Qualification Accreditation Number 100-5570-8 provides pathways to the following qualifications:
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Autoelectrical)
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Heavy Vehicle)
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light Vehicle)
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Motorcycle)
IMI Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Lift Truck)
IMI Level 3 Dipoma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Motorsport)
Students must complete all units from Group A and the Group B of their chosen pathway. Additionally, students doing pathways LV, HV, MC, LT, MS have to complete an optional unit from the Group C of their chosen pathway.