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The Contribution of National Vocational Qualifications to the Growth of Skills in the UK

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  • Irena Grugulis

Abstract

This article evaluates the British system of NVQs, focusing on their capacity to increase skill levels. It reviews the way NVQs were designed and argues that they are ill‐equipped to encourage knowledge and skills, partly because they simply replicate the weaknesses which currently exist in the labour market and partly because of the focus on observed workplace behaviours. NVQs were intended to be ‘employer‐led’ and the assumptions underpinning their design are unitarist. In contrast, the German apprenticeship system is developed and implemented by pluralist consortia and results in qualifications that are far better equipped to support skill levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Irena Grugulis, 2003. "The Contribution of National Vocational Qualifications to the Growth of Skills in the UK," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 41(3), pages 457-475, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:41:y:2003:i:3:p:457-475
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8543.00282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lorraine Dearden, 1999. "Qualifications and earnings in Britain: how reliable are conventional OLS estimates of the returns to education?," IFS Working Papers W99/07, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    2. Colm Harmon & Hessel Oosterbeek, 2000. "The Returns to Education: A Review of Evidence, Issues and Deficiencies in the Literature," CEE Discussion Papers 0005, Centre for the Economics of Education, LSE.
    3. Dearden, Lorraine, et al, 2002. "The Returns to Academic and Vocational Qualifications in Britain," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(3), pages 249-274, July.
    4. Peter Robinson, 1996. "Rhetoric And Reality: Britain''s New Vocational Qualifications," CEP Reports 01, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jen Nelles & Kevin Walsh & Michalis Papazoglou, 2022. "FECs, innovation, and skills: A literature review," Insight Papers 012, The Productivity Institute.
    2. Chris Forde & Gary Slater, 2005. "Agency Working in Britain: Character, Consequences and Regulation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(2), pages 249-271, June.
    3. Chris Forde & Gary Slater, 2005. "Agency Working in Britain: Character, Consequences and Regulation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(2), pages 249-271, June.

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