National Occupational Standards

view/download the new National Occupation Standards

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know, and understand in order to carry out a particular job or function. National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the identified skills and competences needed by the industry and form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NSQs) and vocationally-related qualifications.

How can National Occupational Standards be used?

They can be used to:

  1. Describe good practice in a particular area of work
  2. Set out a statement of competence which bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to do the work
  3. Provide managers with a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control
  4. Offer a framework for training and development
  5. Form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NSQs), and a number of other vocational qualifications.
  6. Educators and trainers use standards to design training and educational programs.

How do National Occupational Standards help employers?

They help employers by:

  1. Improving quality of goods and services
  2. Increasing productivity
  3. Reducing costs for recruitment by providing criteria for the selection of new employees
  4. Providing a means for better human resources planning
  5. Helping effective skills upgrading.
  6. Acting as a benchmark for rewarding experience, knowledge and competence

How do National Occupational Standards help employers?

They help employees by:

  • Identifying the skills and knowledge needed for occupations
  • Providing a reference to assess ability and training needs
  • Identifying and supporting career paths
  • Providing guidelines for certification/accreditation.
  • Increasing mobility within industries

View the New National Occupation Standards

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