PDA Training and Development for Delivery to Groups SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards.

The PDA: Training and Development for Delivery to Groups at SCQF level 7 covers the high-level transferable skills required by those who design and deliver training. These include reflecting on, developing and maintaining own skills in training and development; planning, design and delivery of training to groups; and assessing learning and evaluating training.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

The PDA: Training and Development for Delivery to Groups at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The Unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. The Group Award comprises one single-credit Unit, typically 40 hours of learning and two double-credit Units and can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set in training and development.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Learners do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter this PDA. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required. This may be demonstrated by relevant qualifications at SCQF level 5 or above, or IELTS level 6 for those trainer-candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Learners will, however, need to be knowledgeable and experienced in the subject area(s) in which they plan to deliver training and have the desire to develop their delivery skills and knowledge.

The Units in the PDA have been signposted to the National Occupational Standards for Learning and Development.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to other PDAs, which could perhaps lead to a full HN qualification or SVQ in Learning and Development at Level 3.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each Unit is assessed separately.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

Group Award code: GL1647

The PDA in Training and Delivery for Delivery to Groups at SCQF level 7 consists of three mandatory Units.