NVQ electrical courses will get some changes with the introduction of the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).

People looking to take electrical courses after September should be aware that the new NVQ diploma will replace the old Technical Certificate (VRQ) and the level 3 NVQ and become a mixture of the two.

The NVQ diploma is going to be made up of 17 units, nine of which will be knowledge-based and eight performance related units, while all units must be completed before a framework certificate is awarded.

The content of the knowledge units will be delivered in a similar style to the Technical Certificate and the performance units will be assessed in a work-based environment.

SummitSkills is submitting the units to the Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulations (Ofqual) so that the units can be added to the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.

Awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and EAL will use the units to offer the NVQ Diploma and will need to work within the set rules and assessment strategy, which is set by SummitSkills.

Once the units are on the database it will also allow funding agencies to agree how the units and qualification will be financed.

The QCF units are more specific and each unit will concentrate on a certain aspect of the overall qualification such as a stand alone health and safety unit and a stand alone electrical principles unit.

There is a new unit within the framework which focuses on environmental technologies and has been introduced to make learners aware of the energy efficient appliances which are on the market.

Green energy courses are expected to grow in popularity as the government is keen to promote environmental technologies as they can help reduce the nation's carbon footprint and household bills.

Training centres will be able to determine the delivery of these units as they can put together their own scheme of work for the qualification.

Learners must chose a training centre with a working environment as candidates must have access to a practical set up in order to gain the qualification.

Candidates who are currently registered on the level 3 Technical Certificate and a level 3 NVQ will be able to complete it and gain a framework apprenticeship.

It is recommended that people who are currently registered on the qualification discuss funding options with their training provider.

Candidates who want to finance themselves can still register on the old qualification up until December 31st 2010.