David Catanach, Director of the BSGA reports: “Although the Level 2 and Level 3 Signmaking SVQs in Scotland are accredited and available for registrations until 31st December 2012, Cogent, the awarding body, has indicated that they will not be extended further unless Scottish sign companies can provide clear evidence that these qualifications will be required beyond that date.”
The qualifications have historically had very low uptake and thus Cogent, together with PAAVQ-SET and SQA Accreditation, are unlikely to support them further, unless they can be satisfied that there is still a strong industry demand.
According to David Catanach the importance of this decision cannot be over-emphasised, as both qualifications are embedded within the Modern Apprenticeship framework in Scotland and this will also expire at the end of December 2012, unless the qualifications are extended further.
The qualifications are also due to be reviewed so that they can be brought up to date following a National Occupational Standards review. Funding to support this review could be accessed through the Universal Services funding pot for 2013, but this would require a robust business case, based on actual employer demand.
David concludes: “The bottom line is that Scottish sign companies need to express a definite and robust interest in the SVQs, even if they are not planning apprentice recruitment this year. Only a concerted and spirited level of interest and intent from the industry will help to salvage the situation and once gone, it would be very had to reinstate the qualifications into the programme. To put it bluntly, if not enough interest is shown, the funding goes elsewhere from 1st January 2013!”
Any sign company in Scotland, no matter what size, who wants to retain this funding for the future of signmaking qualifications, should contact either d.catanach@bsga.co.uk or confirm its interest to Daniel.Freckingham@cogent-ssc.com