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Updated 25.01.2022 12:17

During the course of the pandemic, VTCT has remained steadfast in our advice—one of the best practices for personal protection is to use PPE appropriately. This includes the use of face masks, especially due to the nature of the services our practitioners provide, i.e. the close proximity of clients.

Current Government guidance states:

“From 27 January, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering. People are still advised to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where they may come into contact with people they do not normally meet.”

As outlined in our Infection Prevention Qualifications, we recommend using disposable/single-use face coverings that are changed for each client. It’s important to ensure these are close-fitting, cover both nose and mouth, and avoid touching the face coverings once in place. Additionally, do not allow the mask to dangle around the neck and it should be disposed of once it becomes damp. For further information, keep checking this page.

Performance Table Qualifications – January 2022 assessment series

VTCT would like to confirm that the assessment series scheduled for January 2022 will proceed as planned. Read more below.

Key Dates for Performance Table Qualifications in 2021/2022 have been released. You can download them here.

 

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Specific Qualification Information

Jump to:

Performance Table Qualifications (PTQs)

Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

End-point Assessments (EPA)

 

VTCT Infection Prevention Qualifications

Information on our suite of sector-specific Infection Prevention Qualifications can be found by clicking the button below.

VTCT have a number of options for completing these qualifications via either online examination or downloadable paper-based exams, as well as other adaptions where appropriate. Certificates for these pre-requisite qualifications should now be claimed as per the standard process for all other VTCT qualifications. Guidance on how to complete certificate claims can be found in the Support Guides & Webinars section of Linx2.

 

Certification Update

Our main certificate printing/dispatch services resumed on 1st April 2021.

Certificates posted to:

  • Centres in the UK are sent 2nd Class via Royal Mail’s Signed For service
  • Centres in the EU are sent 2nd Class via Royal Mail’s International Tracked and Signed service

If your centre is still not in a position to receive deliveries due to the impacts of COVID-19, please continue to keep us updated. You can contact the Processing Department directly at certification@vtct.org.uk

VTCT/iTEC cannot take responsibility for any loss due to unknown centre closures.

Specific Qualification Information

Jump to:

Performance Table Qualifications (PTQs)

Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

End-point Assessments (EPA)

 

Performance Table Qualifications (PTQs)

The Department for Education (DfE) has reaffirmed its commitment to examinations and assessments going ahead:

“There are exams for vocational and technical qualifications timetabled for January 2022. Students who are due to sit these exams will be prepared and it is right that they should be given every opportunity to demonstrate what they have learnt.  Exams and formal assessments will go ahead. Consequently, it is essential that students continue to prepare for these assessments.” 

The Key Dates document can be accessed here. Centres are invited to familiarise themselves with the deadlines for scheduling, exam dates and the release of results.

PTQ Adaptations

In order to support our centres and learners, we set out a toolkit of adaptations to support centres through mitigation of the impact of Covid-19. The resources can be found on this page.

Centres wishing to utilise our reasonable adjustment and special consideration policy may make applications following the normal procedure. The Special Consideration form can be accessed below.

VTCT continues to follow the guidance from the Department for Education and Ofqual and assessments will continue as normal during the academic year 2021 -2022. VTCT has published key dates for the Performance Table Qualifications (PTQs) in the 2021-2022 academic year which can be accessed here.

VTCT’s Performance Tables Qualifications are our Technical Award, Technical Certificates, Technical Level and Applied General qualifications. A list of the qualifications that fall into the PTQ category are listed here.

While it is intended that assessments will continue as normal, Ofqual’s VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF) contain principles for awarding organisations to support learners and ensure they can complete their qualification this academic year 2020 – 2021 through adaptations.

Adaptations implemented for the Performance Table Qualifications are designed to support centres and learners in increasing the manageability of assessments throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. VTCT will continue to work with Ofqual on contingency plans and will communicate these to centres if they are necessary.

Documentation

Head of Centre Declaration form – ADDED 29/09/2021

Technical Award Adaptation Centre Guidance – ADDED 29/09/2021

Applied General Adaptation Centre Guidance – ADDED 29/09/2021

TLC TLQ Adaptation Centre Guidance – ADDED 29/09/2021

PTQ Adaptation Application Form – ADDED 29/09/2021 Word version available here

 

Webinars

Performance Table Qualifications Adaptations Webinar 6th October 2021 – RECORDING AVAILABLE HERE (login required)   FAQs available here

 

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Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs)

VTCT has been working closely with our regulators, to ensure the most appropriate way forward is in place for learners to progress with their vocational and technical qualifications. VTCT has been working through each of the qualifications in our portfolio and aligning them to a mitigation approach. The approach to awarding will depend on the qualification’s primary purpose. VTCT has identified that a majority of our VRQs are appropriate for the adaptation mitigation approach.

VTCT has put together a number of guidance resources to support and explain what this means for you. Please see the documentation and webinars below.

Documentation

• User guide: Adaptation status data collection for VRQ-NVQ-SVQ qualifications
• Sample Risk assessment

• VRQ Centre Adaptation Guidance for Hair and Beauty– UPDATED 21/10/2021
• VRQ Centre Adaptation Guidance for Hospitality– UPDATED 21/10/2021
• VRQ Centre Adaptation Guidance for Sport– UPDATED 21/10/2021
• VCRF Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Guidance for VTCT Qualifications
• COVID-19 Operational Guidance for Centres
• Client Health Declaration
• COVID-19 Head of Centre Declaration Form
• VTCT Learner Health Declaration
• Professional Discussion Form
• Witness Statement Form

Webinars

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National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

Documentation

• NVQ Centre Adaptation Guidance for Hair and Beauty– UPDATED 3/11/2021

 

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

Documentation

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End-point Assessment services

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education have announced that they will be postponing the switch-off date for some of the COVID-19 flexibilities and dispensations. The decision was taken after the government moved to Plan B of its Covid-19 response to keep the public as safe as possible from the Omicron variant and following engagement with sector bodies.

Three flexibilities will now be switched off at midnight on 28th February 2022, instead of the end of December this year as previously planned. These allow for:

  • Changes to be made to who sits on the End-point Assessment (EPA) interview/discussion panel (when someone in addition to the independent assessor is specified).
  • Suitable evidence of achievements being used in replacement of functional skills qualifications at gateway (other mandated qualifications are covered under temporary discretions).
  • Extension to the length of the End-point Assessment period (where specified).

As of 19th July 2021, it is no longer a legal requirement for those involved with an End-point Assessment to wear eye protection or a face shield or to adhere to social distancing requirements. However, we still require all parties involved in a VTCT End-point Assessment to wear a face-covering, for example, a mask.

All other Personal Protection Equipment and hygiene requirements must be adhered to during an End-point Assessment. If you require any further information please e-mail EPA@vtct.org.uk 

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education have announced an additional discretionary option of a package of evidence and professional discussion to replace an EPA, for circumstances where it is not possible for an EPA to take place, or in exceptional circumstances where it would not be appropriate to proceed with a practical EPA in a salon environment.

The high-level principles for eligibility, for apprentices who will have already met the existing gateway requirements, are set out below:

  • Where close contact/personal services are not available (due to national or regional lockdowns or other restrictions) and the apprentice does not wish to delay
  • Where the apprentice cannot undertake close contact work for personal medical reasons (e.g. shielding) or similar
  • Difficulties in accessing appropriate venues (e.g. feasibility issues due to commercial difficulties)
  • Where the employment situation of the apprentice has changed or is changing

The above principles are not exhaustive – they set out the high-level areas which will be considered by VTCT when determining the appropriateness of granting this discretion.

  • Apprentices can only be allocated a maximum of a pass grade if the optional discretion of a professional discussion is applied.  (This limitation is due to the on-programme qualification used as an evidence base only being assessed at pass/fail)

VTCT will consider any request for apprentices to be eligible for the discretionary option on its merits, and the key test is the degree to which it would, or would not be possible for the EPA to be delivered in line with the assessment plan, or via the previously existing Covid-19 flexibilities and dispensations (as per Autumn 2020).

To book your EPA or apply for the optional discretion please email epa@vtct.org.uk

Documentation for Professional Discussion

End-point Assessment Guide for your Professional Discussion (centre login required)

 

If you have any questions regarding this please contact epa@vtct.org.uk or customersupport@vtct.org.uk.

VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services

In order to help embed best practice and assist with building the confidence of both our Training Providers/employers, apprentices and their clients on how to “return back” safely, VTCT have released the Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Hairdressing and Barbering Services.

VTCT has drawn upon a wide variety of reference materials applicable to the personal services sector which include the World Health Organisation (WHO) and national authorities in the UK and around the world, as well as from our experiences through our International activities in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore where we have seen the reopening of businesses since the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Each qualification will allow learners to develop knowledge on the causes, transmission and effects of COVID-19, the importance of social responsibility and the methods used to control transmission such as correct hand hygiene and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They will also gain an understanding of the safe working practices required to protect themselves and their clients.

Documentation

• Checklist for Apprenticeship Assessors (Step 8 of the 10 step process for Hair Professional and Step 10 of the 12 Step process for Beauty Professional)
• Checklist for Re-opening Hairdressers and Barbers
• Hair Professional End-point Assessment Guidance Document for COVID-19
• Beauty Professional End-point Assessment Guidance Document for COVID-19
• Sample Risk Assessment form
• Hair and Barbering Apprentice Health Declaration form
• Beauty Therapy Apprentice Health Declaration form
• Hair and Barbering Client Health Declaration form which includes client guidance for End-point Assessments
• Hair and Barbering Generic Health Declaration form
• Beauty Therapy Generic Health Declaration form

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Customer support

While we continue to work remotely wherever possible, the VTCT Customer Support team will be running with a reduced line capacity.  As a result, if you have a non-urgent query, please contact Customer Support via email at CustomerSupport@vtct.org.uk.

If your query is urgent, please call VTCT Customer Support on 023 8068 4500.  If we are unable to answer your call, due to high call volumes, please do call back again later. Customer Support will then take your contact details and a representative will call you back as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding, commitment and support during these unprecedented times, where our focus must be on preserving public health and wellbeing, whilst retaining capability to provide effective support to centres.

Business Continuity

VTCT has an established business continuity process, supported by a designated Covid-19 Task Force (C-19TF). The latter is drawn from senior representation from across the organisation, all with a strong understanding of the key processes and systems, and the needs of our employees, centres and stakeholders. Business continuity arrangements are being reviewed and managed in line with the latest government advice regarding Covid-19 and as the situation evolves. The C-19TF will continue to meet frequently to review the ongoing situation and latest UK Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) official advice. This team is responding to queries and preparing and issuing guidance, ensuring the organisation is prepared to respond to the changing situation.

Working together with, and guided by the qualification regulators, VTCT is monitoring the ongoing Covid-19 situation. We understand that centres may have queries or concerns as to how this may impact the delivery of any VTCT qualifications and any upcoming assessments.

Irish centres please visit the iTEC Ireland website for specific information related to Ireland