Training,Vocational Qualifications and Employee Performance in Care Work in the UK

This article draws on research conducted in an English organisation engaged in the provision of care in the community. A qualitative methodology has been employed as a means of investigating more thoroughly the nature and processes of care/support work in order to reach more meaningful conclusions regarding the impact of NVQ participation in this area. The article examines training provision within the organisation and assesses its adequacy before going on to describe the background and purpose of NVQs. A range of problems associated with NVQs is then addressed before the introduction of NVQs in the case study organisation is examined. The article concludes with a discussion which draws together the threads and examines whether NVQs in care can contribute to an enhancement in employee performance and their contribution to the provision of quality care.