Occupational Standards (NOS) define the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective workplace performance.
They specify what a person should know and do in order to carry out the functions of a particular job in the context of the work environment.
Standards are the agreed minimum best practice in an Occupational Area and take into account all statutory requirements.
The Occupational Standards and Sector Support Department facilitates the development of the NOS.

2.) What is the Sector Advisory Committee (SAC

The SAC is a working committee comprising of institutions and industry representatives for a particular sector or cluster of occupational areas whose focus is on workforce development through education and training defined by the services/products provided by the NTATT. The SAC can be established by the formation of an alliance between the NTA and the respective sector/industry association through a Memorandum of Understanding; or in the absence of an sector/industry association, the NTA will establish the SAC based on advice from companies and other institutions with the respective sector. The membership comprises of representatives from employers, employers’ associations, training providers and governmental agencies

To recommend occupational areas for development
To endorse, review and implement the Occupational Standards of Competences for the sector, industry or occupational group.
To monitor emerging trends and changes in the Labour Market and recommend changes to the OS.
To take the lead in encouraging companies in the sector to facilitate increased employee involvement in training and certification·
To monitor and implement changes to Occupational Standards to factor for emerging trends and changes in the Labour Market.
To assist the Sector Development Specialist in nominating and selecting individuals to form the Lead Body in the respective occupational areas.
To review and comment on activities to increase employer and apprentice/trainee/worker participation in apprenticeship programme, PLAR etc.
To facilitate the Programme Development and Management department in developing curriculum and instructional material

4.) Lead Bodies

The Lead Body is a group of industry experts in a specific occupational area whose focus is the development of the technical content of the NOS. These Lead Bodies are established on an ad-hoc basis for the duration of the development or review of the NOS. They include nominees from the ITOs and other industry experts selected by the NTAs Sector Development Specialist.

5.) The Standard Development Process

6.) The Structure of National Occupational Standards

Occupational Area (or Title) -	reflects the functional area after disaggregating the Sector
Units -	reflects the functions or duties within the Occupational Area
Elements -	determine what activities must be done to complete the duty
Performance Criteria -	describes how an activity is to be completed and measures how well it should be done
Range Statement -	lists the parameters in which the candidate must demonstrate competence
Underpinning Knowledge and Skills - Evidence Guide -	the underpinning principles, methodologies and skills required to achieve performance outcomes details the critical aspect of evidence that is necessary to deem a person competent

7.) Uses of National Occupational Standards

NTAs main purpose for developing the the National Occupational Standard is to produce the Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification (TTNVQ) and the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

TTNVQ/CVQ Framework

There are five levels of competence in the TTNVQ Framework. Standards are developed from Levels 1 to 3 at the NTA.

Level 1 - Apprentice/supervised worker
Level 2 - Skilled worker
Level 3 - Skilled technical/supervisory worker
Level 4 - Professional/managerial/ master craftsman
Level 5 - Chartered professional/ managerial

8.) Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ)

Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) are currently being used in our Secondary School System and are being awarded by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). In addition, the NTA is currently working with technical training providers, community training providers and enterprise to utilize the CVQ in their training programme and workplace competency development. The CVQs are based on regionally approved standards and will eventually replace the TTNVQs and other NVQs within the region (e.g. NVQ-J Jamaica and NVQB Barbados). The CVQs will allow an easier transition of workers moving throughout the region as a result of the CSME.

9.) Other Uses of National Occupational Standards

To prepare job descriptions and specifications

To determine recruitment criteria

To appraise staff performance objectively

To identify skill and training gaps and needs

To assess the effectiveness of training programmes

To determine compensation and rewards