October 2007 - we are currently involved in some exciting work relating to the CQFW (Credit and Qualification for Wales). Credit is a means of recognising learning wherever, whenever and however it is achieved. It offers benefits to learners and employers by providing a system for valuing different qualifications in a consistent and standardised way.

We have been commisioned to support a local training organisation through the process of becoming recognised by the CQFW in order that they can assign and award credits. The CQFW offers a number of benefits.

For learners it provides a system that:

• recognises and values their achievements
• assists their progress in education and employment across the UK, as well as potentially in Europe
• makes it easy for them to transfer their knowledge and skills between career paths and providers of education and training
• allows them to accumulate credits to meet a range of career and personal development needs.

For employers it offers a means by which they can:

• easily assess the relative values of different qualifications
• encourage more people in Wales to develop the skills needed to meet their requirements
• overcome skill shortages.