TTNVQ

What is a TTNVQ

A TTNVQ is a standardised national vocational qualification for courses pursued in the area of technical and vocational education and training.

TTNVQ stands for Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification. At present, TTNVQs are being developed and introduced in Trinidad and Tobago by the National Training Agency.

How does it differ from CXC or GCE?

CXC and GCE are generally qualifications for academic courses, although CXC offers some technical education courses. The CXC is a Caribbean-based qualification while GCE is a British-based qualification. Examinations are written and projects are submitted as part of the assessment process in order to obtain CXC and GCE qualifications.

The TTNVQ is a national qualification which is based on one's competence for the world of work. Candidates are assessed under actual workplace conditions and there is more emphasis on competency-based assessment. The TTNVQ prepares the candidate with the required skills to competently perform the job, according to the standards required by industry.

Why TTNVQs?

There is a clear need for standardisation, as there presently exist several qualifications and certificates for technical and vocational education and training, which are of doubtful value to employers.

Framework

How does the TTNVQ work?

TTNVQs are based on national occupational standards. Industry experts come together to define the standards for top performance in their industries. These standards are then translated to the curriculum and assessment procedures developed to encompass the standards identified. All TTNVQs fit into a TTNVQ framework. There are five levels, of which Level 1 is the introductory level called Semi-Skilled and Level 5 the highest level, which is equivalent to the Chartered and Advanced Professional Level.

TTNVQ Framework

What are the benefits of the TTNVQ framework?

The NVQ framework allows all candidates the opportunity to progressively attain higher and/or further qualifications in their selected occupation or career. Candidates are allowed to transfer credits between programmes from one level to another.

Qualifying

Candidates

How do I qualify to do a TTNVQ?

Entry into Level 1 does not require stringent pre-qualifications. Entry to Level 2 and higher are based on previous knowledge and experience in the occupational area.
A candidate can be assessed through Prior Learning Assessment to ascertain the level at which the candidate can be placed.
This is particularly important for those persons who have years of experience but no formal qualifications. Prior Learning Assessment allows candidates more access to training and further qualifications.

Do I have to be a certain age to qualify?

There are no age barriers for candidates wanting to attain a TTNVQ. Anyone can do a TTNVQ regardless of their age or stage in life.
The TTNVQ framework is meant to produce lifelong learning for all.

Where can I obtain a TTNVQ?

You can obtain TTNVQs - Level 1, at institutes and industrial centres approved by the NTA to provide technical and vocational education and training.
TTNVQs for higher levels will be acquired at institutes and industrial centres where modern apprenticeships and traineeships are facilitated.
TTNVQs will eventually be available at approved workplaces offering in-house training to employees.

Training Providers

What documents would you need?

If you are interested in your centre being approved to offer the TTNVQ please contact us. For your centre to be approved to offer the TTNVQ you would need the following documents:

QSD004_CentreApprovalCriteria

QSD005_CentreApprovalSampleSubmission

Benefits

What are the benefits of TTNVQs?

To Trinidad and Tobago

TTNVQs will equip our workforce with the skills needed to meet the performance requirements of industry, in a competitive global market.

To employers

Since TTNVQs are developed in close collaboration with experts from industry, they reflect industry's performance standards and needs.
TTNVQs represent evidence of a candidate's job competence.

To individuals

TTNVQs give candidates a standardised qualification which could be widely recognised by employers.
It also allows them to have more access and flexibility to further training.

Are other countries using TTNVQs?

Yes, but they are called by different names. In Jamaica it is called NVQ-J and in the United Kingdom it is called N/SVQs.

Who is responsible for TTNVQs?

The National Training Agency is the government body responsible for developing and awarding TTNVQs.
NTA works in collaboration with industry experts on Specific Occupational Advisory Committees to develop the TTNVQs.
TTNVQs are part of the new thrust to upgrade the quality and standard of technical and vocational training in Trinidad and Tobago,
making it more responsive to the needs of industry and the global market.