Professional Development Awards

image of professional John Lewis, Development Manager, SQA updated delegates on the new design principles and titles for new and revised Professional Development Awards and, in particular, the fact that there would now be seven levels of awards and all would be credit rated against SCQF.

The new design principles added value and modernisation offered an excellent opportunity for promoting these qualifications. He advised participants that there were a number of measures that had been put in place to support modernisation. This included guidance on development, validation and implementation, a webpage, support from a dedicated Development Manger, and strategic direction from the HN Key Partners’ Group.

Participants also heard about the developments at SCQF level 9+. John explained that PDAs at SCQF level 9+ incorporated the new design principles and would follow similar processes and procedures as other PDAs. However, any development would only take place if market research established a specific need that was not met by other provision at this level.

Also, level 9+ PDAs – like all PDAs – would have a strong alignment to National Occupational Standards and/or professional body requirements and would emphasise the importance of work based, work place or work related learning. A number of pilot developments were underway and updates on these would be posted on the PDA webpage. A Level 9+ Steering Group, which informs the Higher National Key Partners’ Group, was providing strategic guidance and oversight to the pilot project.

Delegates welcomed these developments, particularly noting the added value that the greater flexibility of the new awards would bring about for providers, employers and learners. Delegates were also enthusiastic about the commitment and resources that SQA was committing to the PDA Modernisation Project.

The presentation from this workshop can be downloaded below: