QQI Unveils New Training and Development Award (6M8028)

Dublin, Ireland – Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has announced a significant update to its suite of Further Education and Training (FET) awards, introducing the new QQI Training and Development Award (6M8028) at NFQ Level 6. This new award is poised to replace the long-standing and widely recognised Training Delivery and Evaluation (6N3325) award, signifying a strategic evolution in the standards for professional trainers across Ireland.

The move by QQI reflects a commitment to ensuring that vocational education and training practitioners possess the most current and comprehensive skills required to deliver high-quality, impactful learning experiences. The new award aims to broaden the scope of trainer competencies, moving beyond just delivery and evaluation to encompass a more holistic approach to training and development.

The Rationale Behind the Change

The decision to update the award stems from a comprehensive review of industry needs, international best practices, and feedback from education and training providers. The existing 6N3325 award, while highly successful, primarily focused on the practical aspects of delivering training sessions and assessing their immediate effectiveness. However, the modern training landscape demands professionals who can also contribute to the design, planning, and strategic alignment of training programmes within organisational contexts.

  • Evolving Industry Demands: The Irish economy, with its dynamic sectors, requires trainers who can adapt to rapid technological advancements and changing skill requirements.
  • Holistic Competency Framework: The new 6M8028 award is designed to foster a broader set of competencies, including needs analysis, programme design, and strategic integration of training.
  • Alignment with National Skills Strategy: This update aligns with Ireland's National Skills Strategy, which emphasises continuous professional development and the enhancement of workforce capabilities.

QQI’s official communications indicate that the new award will provide a more robust framework for trainers, enabling them to contribute more effectively to organisational development and individual learner progression. This is a critical step in maintaining Ireland's reputation for high-quality vocational education and training.

Key Differences and Enhanced Learning Outcomes

The QQI Training and Development Award (6M8028) introduces several key enhancements compared to its predecessor. While specific module details are still being finalised and rolled out by providers, the overarching aim is to deepen the theoretical understanding and practical application of adult learning principles.

Some anticipated areas of focus within the new award include:

  • Advanced Needs Analysis: A greater emphasis on conducting thorough training needs analyses to ensure programmes are relevant and targeted.
  • Curriculum Design and Development: Skills in designing comprehensive training programmes, including learning objectives, content sequencing, and appropriate methodologies.
  • Strategic Training Planning: Understanding how training initiatives integrate with broader organisational goals and performance management.
  • Diverse Delivery Methods: Exploring and applying a wider range of instructional strategies, including blended learning, e-learning, and experiential learning.
  • Enhanced Evaluation Models: Moving beyond immediate feedback to include impact assessment and return on investment (ROI) for training interventions.

Providers offering the new award will need to ensure their programmes meet the updated QQI standards and learning outcomes. This transition period will involve significant curriculum development and staff training for educational institutions and private training companies.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see health and safety trainer courses Ireland or explore train the trainer quiz for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

Transition Period and Implications for Current Trainers

QQI has outlined a structured transition period to facilitate the smooth phasing out of the 6N3325 award and the adoption of the new 6M8028. Further details on the exact dates for the cessation of new enrolments on the 6N3325 and the full implementation of the 6M8028 will be communicated by QQI and relevant programme providers in due course. It is crucial for existing trainers holding the 6N3325 award, or those currently undertaking it, to understand the implications.

Typically, QQI ensures that qualifications remain valid and recognised. Those who have already achieved the 6N3325 award will continue to hold a nationally recognised qualification. However, for trainers looking to further their professional development or for those entering the field, the 6M8028 will become the benchmark for best practice.

Training providers across Ireland are actively preparing for this transition, updating their course materials, and seeking re-validation from QQI for their new programmes. This ensures that when the 6M8028 becomes fully operational, there will be a robust network of accredited providers ready to deliver the updated qualification.

This update represents a progressive step for vocational education in Ireland, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development for trainers. It ensures that those responsible for upskilling the nation's workforce are themselves equipped with the most advanced and relevant skills. For more information on the new QQI Training and Development Award (6M8028) and its implications, individuals and organisations are encouraged to consult official QQI publications and accredited training providers.

Abertay Training, a leading provider of professional development courses in the UK and Ireland, is closely monitoring these developments and preparing to offer programmes aligned with the new QQI standards. You can find more information at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.