Also in this section Training Checklist Types Of Training Fundamental Training What To Consider When Choosing A Training Provider Possible Sources Of Funding Where To Find Training

• 'Non-accredited' training does not lead to a recognised qualification but is still useful to learn new skills.
  
  
• 'Accredited' training leads to a qualification, such as a NVQ in Health and Social Care.

The way that accredited qualifications are structured is changing. There will be a new, simpler and more flexible approach to gaining a qualification introduced in 2010. The new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) is designed to give the flexibility of a 'mix and match' approach to meet the wider variety of employee's and employer's needs. For instance you may need your PA to have some knowledge on dementia or autism and this learning can be linked with other bits of the existing NVQ which is relevant to your needs.

Each unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value: 1 credit represents 10 hours, showing how much time it takes to complete the unit and a level between 1 and 8 to show how difficult the unit is.

There will be 3 types of qualification:
Awards (1 to 12 credits)
Certificates (13 to 36 credits)
Diplomas (37 credits or more)

The new QFC will be a way of reflecting what people actually do in their day-to-day duties and will meet the different training and development needs of both the employee and the employer.

Accredited training is being developed all the time and we expect that a more appropriate set of standards for induction for PAs will be available in the not too distant future via Skills for Care.  To visit Skills for Care website click here

Classroom Style, Seminar, Hands on or On-line training.

Classroom training means more of a structured training session, very much instruction based.

Seminar is a presentation type of training often with work groups or exercises included at some point in the training.

Hands on training is training where the trainees practice what they are being taught - eg First Aid.

On-line training is a set of exercises or instructions that you work through on-line.  The advantage of this training is that the trainee can set their own pace, work at any time they have access to the internet, and can fit it around their work load to ensure no inconvenience to the employer.