NOS FAQ
NOS Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are National Occupational Standards?
National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function.
2. How can National Occupational Standards be used?
They can be used to:
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Describe good practice in particular areas of work
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Set out a statement of competence which bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to do the work
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Provide managers with a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control
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Offer a framework for training and development
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Form the basis of a range of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and a range of other vocational qualifications.
3. How do National Occupational Standards help employers?
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Improve quality of goods and services
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Increase productivity
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Reduce costs for recruitment by facilitating the selection of new employees
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Provide a means for better human resources planning
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Help effective skills upgrading
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Act as a benchmark for rewarding experience, knowledge and competence.
4. How do National Occupational Standards help employees?
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Identify skills and knowledge needed for occupations
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Provide a reference to assess ability and training needs
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Identify and support career paths
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Provide guidelines for certification/accreditation
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Increase mobility within industries.