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An exploratory study of the effects of progression towards National Vocational Qualifications on the occupational knowledge and care practice of social care workers

In this article, assumptions underpinning the introduction of National Vocational Qualifications for social care workers in England and Wales are identified. The paucity of analysis of the impact of NVQ experience on practice is recognised. The effects of progression through the NVQ system on knowledge, understanding and care practice are explored by comparing quantitative and qualitative data obtained from NVQ experienced and non-NVQ experienced care workers. The findings suggest that, although it is possible to identify some associations between NVQ progression, knowledge of care practice and competence, these are not always clear. Differences between NVQ experienced and non-NVQ experienced care workers are found to vary according to the specific generic ability or care activity considered. The conclusion discusses the implication of these findings for the continuing debate on the impact of NVQs. The necessity for further research to clarify some of the ambiguities in the findings is identified.