National Occupational Standards (NOS)
Background on National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Documents
Details
A National Occupational Standard (NOS) is a document that describes the knowledge, skills and understanding an individual needs to be competent at a job.
All of the completed and approved NOS are kept on a database – UK Standards. This is easily accessible and allows people to search for the different jobs they are interested in.
A NOS Strategy document is available that sets out the overall policy for NOS. To help develop the products there are two documents, the NOS Quality Criteria and a NOS Guide for Developers. The relevant documents are attached.
NOS can be used in many different ways for example:
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awarding bodies can create qualifications to train individuals for a job. These qualifications can then be used in an Apprenticeship Framework.
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employers can create a job description to recruit new staff or a training plan to develop their skills
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individuals can research different types of jobs and match their skills/experience to those that are needed
The attached case studies give further detail on how NOS can benefit businesses and individuals:
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NHS Services (Scotland): using National Occupational Standards (NOS) to assist in delivering high cost medical screening in Scotland
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Improving the lives of young people through National Occupational Standards
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Alfred Bagnall & Sons: using National Occupational Standards to survive a recession and keep on top of the markets
For more information please contact Sarah Black.