If you are on - or about to start - a learning programme linked to employment then it is probable that you will be working towards a Scottish or National Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ).

S/NVQs are excellent qualifications based on Standards which have been agreed with the employers in your industry. They establish a standard of ‘competence’ so that you can prove that you are capable of doing a job satisfactorily and safely.

What some employers want to know, though, is whether you can work to an ‘outstanding’ or ‘exceptional’ standard. This may be in terms of how hard or fast you work, how creative you are or how you relate to customers.

Meanwhile many tutors and lecturers want a way of rewarding students who have ‘gone the extra mile’ in their work. And learners themselves - who may be particularly dedicated or creative - also want some form of recognition over and beyond the NVQ. (This may be useful if you are involved in Skills Competitions).

So that is why Star Units have been set up. They are linked directly to S/ NVQs but extend beyond the standard of competence that an S/NVQ requires. This enables exceptional and outstanding performance to be recognised and recorded. An additional certificate is then awarded to recognise that achievement.

There are also other benefits which arise from Star Units including, in particular, the way that ALL learners can improve their skills through a better understanding of what exceptional performance is and looks like.

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