FAQs

About Oracle

1) Where does Oracle Training operate?
Our main offices are in London and most of our trainer/assessors are based within the South East Region. We cover across the country with projects in various locations both north and south.

2) Why choose Oracle Training?
Here are some key reasons why:

At Oracle Training, we understand and appreciate the challenges facing manufacturing and service industries. We only offer and deliver training programmes which we consider are in the best interest of an organisation and its employees.

We give consistent support for BMEs (Black Minority Enterprises), with multi-lingual trainers & assessors available to assist with any language difficulties.

Our trainer/assessors are all qualified in both training and in their business discipline, so they understand and respond to companies operational requirements.

We offer additional training to all learners that is relevant to them individually and to their work situation.

We provide support for learners with any learning difficulties, particularly languages.

We take an active interest in the achievements of our learners and about the effectiveness of our programme for their employer.

About NVQs

1) What is an NVQ?
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ represents.
NVQs are based on national occupational standards. These standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.

2) How are NVQ’s achieved ?
NVQs are achieved through assessment and training. Assessment is normally through on-the-job observation and questioning. Candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards. Assessors ‘sign-off’ units when the candidates are ready - the assessor tests candidates’ underpinning knowledge, understanding and work-based performance to make sure they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.
When new candidates start an NVQ, the assessor will usually help them to:

- identify what they can do already
- agree on the standard and level they are aiming for
- analyse what they need to learn
- choose and agree on activities that would allow them to learn what they need.

At this point, candidates might take a course if that seems the best way to learn what they need. Or they might agree with their employer or supervisor to do slightly different work to gain the evidence of competence they need.
Candidates compare their performance with the standards as they learn. They look at what they have achieved, how much they still need to do and how they should go about it, until they are assessed as competent for a unit or a whole NVQ.

3) What does an NVQ course involve?
The NVQ courses available are selected to match the current work roles of each individual person taking part.
All NVQ courses follow the same procedure. They require the person taking the course to provide evidence of the following which relates to the learners current work activities:-

- knowledge,
- understanding, and
- performance

4) How long will an NVQ course take?
This depends almost entirely on the individual learner’s work load and aptitude. The courses are run at the pace of the individual, to fit in with work requirements and the need to progress.
A course will usually span 14 to 16 weeks lapsed time, depending on the individual learner.

7) How much does an NVQ course cost?
There are so many variables which affect cost, that no firm figures can be quoted. The government and the European Social Fund have, however, set up several sources of support funding, which can be accessed where appropriate. We can advise on these. For more details, see "What we do".

8) If an NVQ qualification relates to a person's current work activities, how are training and up-skilling achieved?
The NVQ process follows the Assess-Train-Assess process. It concentrates on the person's ability to meet national standards of performance in their own job. Shortcomings against these standards will be identified through initial assessment. The appropriate training is provided and the operational activities then reassessed. Any other training needs can be identified at the same time and arranged to be provided in the most appropriate way.

About client organisations

1) What are the benefits of NVQs for a company?
As an employer, you can benefit in a number of diverse ways, depending on both the organisation's current operational situation, the coverage of the NVQ programme across the organisation and the degree of management support given to it. Typical specific outcomes and benefits that help to drive down costs and improve competitiveness are:

- Closer adherence to organisational procedures
- Improved quality of work/production
- Increased number of valid suggestions for improvements within the workplace
- Increased incidence of feedback on Company Documentation
- Identification of further training needs
- Safer production and work operations:
- Adherence to Company safety signage
- Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Fewer reportable accidents and entries in the Accident Book
- Increased number of hazard alerts.
- Improved morale
- Reduced absentee rate
- Improved timekeeping
- Improved teamwork
- Helps to identify the commitment of the individual within the organisation.

3) Will the training interfere with our work activities?
All our training programmes are all designed to minimise disruption to operational activities and are all set up in agreement with the client’s operational managers.

4) How much time must learners spend away from their workstations?
Learners will need to spend 15 to 30 minutes each week working with their Assessor. There is also course material to be completed as and when their work allows.

5) Is funding available to support an NVQ training programme for my company?
Your company may qualify for funding support depending upon eligibility criteria at the time. Please contact us for an appraisal of your situation.

The level  of support funding available is dependent on a number of factors:-
- number of participants for the courses
- type and level of the course being undertaken
- size and location of the company
- existing qualifications of the prospective participants


About individual learners

1) Why should I do an NVQ course?
The NVQ gives you a convenient way to confirm your existing ability in your job, your knowledge and skill, and to develop yourself in aspects of your work that you feel would be beneficial to you.
There are no colleges to be visited, no work to be done away from your place of employment and no examinations or tests to be undertaken.

You will achieve a formal confirmation that you are able to work to the quality standards of your national industry. This will give you a qualification and a Certificate which is your own personal property, which is recognised and respected internationally. It confirms for any employer your level of competence and understanding of your work.

2) Where will the training be held?
This will be carried out on your company’s premises – often at or near the learners work area (if safe to do so).

3) Will I get any proof I have completed my NVQ?
Yes, if you succeed in satisfying your Trainer/Assessor of the quality of your work in relation to the required National Standards you will receive your Certificate.