In 2022 and early 2023, UKFT led the review of three Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at SCQF Level 6 and Level 7 as tasked by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). SVQs are work-based qualifications that ensure that people can do their job well and aligned with the sector’s national standards. Based on National Occupational Standard, SVQs define what it is to be competent in a specific job role.

Instead of taking a formal written exam, people doing SVQs can study in the workplace while collecting and submitting evidence of their own work. As the government-appointed Sector Skills Body for UK fashion and textiles, UKFT led the review of the following qualifications:

• SVQ in Manufacturing Textile Products at SCQF 7
• SVQ in Leather Manufacture at SCQF 7
• SVQ in Kiltmaking at SCQF Level 6

SVQ in Manufacturing Textile Products and SVQ in Leather Manufacture at SCQF 7

Both these qualifications were last updated in 2017. They have now been updated to the latest National Occupational Standard suites (Manufacturing Textile & Sewn Products and Footwear, Leather Production & Leathergoods). SDS and requested for the two existing SVQs to be merged into one, SVQ in Leather and Textile Technology at SCQF Level 7.

On 2nd May 2023, the SQA Accreditation Co-ordination Group (ACG) agreed to approve the merged SVQ.

Awaiting available delivery date for providers to offer the updated qualifications.

SVQ in Kilt making at SCQF Level 6

This qualification covers the traditional and historic specialist handcraft kilt making skills. It was originally made of two pathways covering either the Hand Sewn or Machine Sewn kilt making process. However, in the previous version of the SVQ (last reviewed in 2014), both options could not be chosen. The two options can now be chosen in the new version of the SVQ, allowing learners to experience both the hand and machine processes if needed.

On 8^th March 2023, the SQA Accreditation Co-ordination Group (ACG) agreed to approve the amendment.

Awaiting available delivery date for providers to offer the updated qualifications.

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