National Occupational Standards

How NOS are used

NOS can be used in many different ways. Awarding Bodies can create qualifications to train individuals for a job. These qualifications can then be used in an Apprenticeship Framework or a training programme.

Employers can create a job description to recruit new staff or a training plan to develop their skills. Also, individuals can research different types of jobs and match their skills/experience to those that are needed.

UK Standards database

All of the completed and approved NOS are kept on a database – UK Standards. This is accessible to everyone across the UK and allows people to search for standards across a broad range of job roles and industries.

To ensure NOS are up to date and fit for purpose, they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the needs of industry and new NOS are also commissioned to reflect new and changing industries. A key part of the process for updating and creating NOS is consultation with employers and stakeholders across the UK. This is a chance for you to contribute your views and experiences and influence the future of standards.

For further information on National Occupational Standards in Northern Ireland, email: NOS.Reviews@economy-ni.gov.uk

Reviews

Throughout the year Delivery Partners will be reviewing existing NOS and developing new NOS across a range of sectors. A vital part of this review and development work is seeking feedback from stakeholders.

Feedback is needed from across a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that NOS are up-to-date and fit for purpose and meet the needs of individual sectors. This includes employers, industry experts, training providers, further and higher education and other relevant stakeholders in Northern Ireland.

For anyone interested in contributing to the development of National Occupational Standards, live consultation events will be shared via our social media pages:

• Twitter - @economy_ni
• LinkedIn - Department for the Economy
• Facebook - Skills to Succeed

Motor Industry NOS Reviews

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is starting a review of the following suites of NOS including:

• Accident Repair – Body
• Body Building
• Parts Operations
• Roadside Assistance and
• Vehicle Recovery

The review will be completed by 31/03/2023. To ensure the outcome of the review is in line with industry needs, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you are invited to take part in the review.  The NOS continue to be a valuable resource to inform vocational training and qualifications, and apprenticeships.

 The following sets out how you can get involved in the project.

1. Project Steering Group

This group will oversee the progress of the project through to its conclusion ensuring that the revised NOS are in line with industry working practices and are fit for purpose.

The objective of the first steering group is to consider:

• Do the current NOS cover all of the activities carried out within the industry?
• Do they reflect current working practices?
• What changes are needed?

Northern Ireland meetings:

2. Workshops and / or interviews (face to face, telephone or Skype) on the NOS relevant to you
3. On-line consultations and webinars to provide updates on the main developments in the review

Register your Interest

If you would like to take part in any stage of the standards review, please register your interest at NOS Consultation Expression Of Interest or contact Caroline Harris carolineh@theimi.org.uk

We urge you to attend the Northern Ireland events and take the opportunity to influence the development of NOS.

Many thanks for getting involved.