<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<xml><item>&lt;h4&gt;What is it?&lt;/h4&gt;&#13;
&lt;p&gt;National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are &#13;
'competence-based' qualifications. This means you will be expected to &#13;
show you can do set things to a competent standard. They suit students &#13;
wishing to develop work-related skills and are often taken as part of an apprenticeship. Learning is through practical &#13;
work-related tasks which help you develop the skills and knowledge to do&#13;
 a job to the right standard. They are designed to be studied at seven levels from introductory Level 1 to senior management level 7.  &lt;/p&gt;&#13;
&lt;h4&gt;Where could I study?&lt;/h4&gt;&#13;
&lt;p&gt;You&#13;
 can study for an NVQ at a local college or training provider. You can &#13;
also study online and through distance learning. If you are in a job and&#13;
 have already developed certain skills and competencies, these can be &#13;
assessed towards an NVQ in your workplace.&lt;/p&gt;&#13;
&lt;h4&gt;How long will it take me?&lt;/h4&gt;&#13;
&lt;p&gt;Within&#13;
 reason, there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ - it is &#13;
designed to be taken at a pace that suits your needs. However, many &#13;
learners take about one year to complete an NVQ at level 1 and 2, and &#13;
around two years for an NVQ at level 3 and above.&lt;/p&gt;&#13;
&lt;h4&gt;Options after the course?&lt;/h4&gt;&#13;
&lt;p&gt;Completing&#13;
 an NVQ can lead to further training at the next level. You could go all&#13;
 the way to a level 7 NVQ and/or professional qualifications, usually in&#13;
 a related area. If you've studied an NVQ at level 3, you could also go &#13;
on to a higher education course in a related vocational area, such as a &#13;
Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree &#13;
or other vocational specialism.&lt;/p&gt;</item></xml>
