This year marks 21 years of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) supporting lifelong learning. Since its inception in 2001, the SCQF has been Scotland’s National Qualifications Framework, helping people of all ages and stages plan their learning journey.
The qualifications landscape and job market are constantly changing, particularly in the last 2 years with some sectors struggling whilst others flourish. In this fast changing environment, it is now more important than ever for individuals and employers to not only understand the range of different qualifications that exist in Scotland and beyond, but also to recognise what that equivalent skills and experience might look like.
Many individuals have gained skills and experience which could be very valuable to an employer, though they may not hold a formal qualification to prove this. So, we have enhanced our interactive Framework to help job applicants understand what SCQF level best matches their abilities.
Using SCQF levels in job application forms and CVs helps to better describe skills to a prospective employer, helping job seekers find the right role for them. It can also help learners find the right level of course if they want to continue learning.
For employers, the SCQF helps to determine the level of skill or competence required for a particular role when recruiting. Whilst there are jobs that do require specific qualifications, such as those in healthcare or engineering, many are broader in their requirements. Despite this, employers often ask for specific qualifications such as a degree or equivalent, or a particular number of Highers or equivalent.
The Know Your Level tool enables employers to level job roles to the SCQF and complements our SCQF Inclusive Recruiter programme. By using SCQF levels in recruitment processes instead of specific qualifications, employers can significantly widen their pool of applicants, who may have a wealth of skills and experience, or alternative qualifications, at the required level. This allows employers to get the best range of suitable candidates for job roles. Ensuring that people are working at the right level and are fully utilising their skills also helps with employee morale and retention.
Lorena Little, Business Director at YouthLink Scotland, says:
“This tool will really help us to uphold our values of equality and diversity at YouthLink Scotland. Finding the most suitable SCQF level and using this when recruiting allows more accessibility and inclusiveness to all candidates who apply for roles within our organisation.”
Seonaid Mann, Talent Acquisition, Fair Work and Equality, South of Scotland Enterprise, adds:
“I think this new tool is extremely helpful and gives a level of clarity that was possibly missing before now. The ability to be able to link advertisements to the SCQF website is another really positive step that we will start using from now on. I also think that the way you have set out the representative competencies of job holders at each level will be extremely helpful when it comes to writing and evaluating job descriptions.”
This latest update to the Framework diagram online will benefit individuals seeking the right job role or course to best describe their skills and experience, as well as employers looking for the right people to help their organisation thrive.
Business leaders that would like to know more about understanding how using the SCQF in the recruitment process can help are encouraged to book a 1:1 session with our Employer Engagement Lead, Nicola Smith.
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