Frequently Asked Questions
Centres
AIM Awards qualifications
AIM Awards will be able to offer you the same qualifications, support and service you have been receiving; the only change is that our name is now AIM Awards. The FAQ’s below will explain how this will work for you and your learners.
If I want to can I still register learners on NOCN qualifications this academic year?
Yes.
Can I still offer the same qualifications to my learners in the next academic year?
Yes. However, they will be rebadged as AIM Awards qualifications.
Do I need to do anything different to register my learners and claim certificates?
No.
Will I still receive the same support and service from you now you’re called AIM Awards and not OCN East Midlands Region?
Yes, and our support and service to you will be increasingly flexible, responsive and value for money. Our recent Ofqual Mystery Shopper results show that we scored top marks in 10 out of 12 areas surveyed such as professionalism and prompt responses to customer enquiries. We will continue delivering this level of support to all our centres.
With this change of name, will I have to pay any more than I currently pay?
There will be no extra charge to centres and the fees will remain value for money.
What do I do if I have a question not already addressed in the list above?
If you have any further questions or concerns you may wish to either:
· Contact your Curriculum Development Manager on 01332 861999
· Telephone the office on the above number and speak to or arrange an appointment with Linda Wyatt (Chief Executive) or Ben Rockliffe (Head of Business and Qualifications Development)
· Come to our AIM Awards Surgeries - check the Calendar to see when the next one is!
Please click here to download these FAQs.
Learners
How do I find out about AIM Awards courses?
AIM Awards do not run courses themselves so does not have a full list of provision in the area. It is advisable to start with your local college to see what they have on offer, or to contact careers advice 0800 100 900, or phone Learn Direct 0800 101 901 who can advise you on what is available. Other sources of information would be your local library or local newspapers or do a search on the internet.
What is a unit?
A unit is a set of learning outcomes with associated criteria. A learner will be assessed against the criteria. If they achieve all the criteria they will achieve the unit. A unit is assigned a number of credits, which describes the amount of the learning, and a credit level which describes the level of the learning.
What is the difference between a unit and a Qualification?
All qualifications in the Qualifications and Credit Framework are made up of units. A unit is a set of learning outcomes and criteria that a learner is assessed against. When all the criteria have been met the learner is said to have achieved the unit. If the learner acheives a set of units that make up a qualfication and have fulfilled any other requrements of the qualification, then they will achieve the full qualification.
What are credit levels?
The level of the learning you undertake is similar to the level of study needed for other courses and UK wide recognised qualifications.A credit is a way of measuring, recognising and valuing your learning.
The level, given on the certificate for each unit you have achieved shows the stage you have reached in your learning:
Entry Level
Qualifications and units at Entry Level provides a basis for progression to other qualifications
Level One
This is comparable to working at NVQ Level 1, GCSEs D-G and Foundation Diploma
Level Two
This is comparable to working at NVQ Level 2, GCSE’s A* to C and Higher Diploma
Level Three
This is comparable to working at NVQ Level 3, A and AS Levels, Advanced Diploma
Level Four and above
This is comparable to higher education qualifications such as a first degree through to PhD at level eight.
Please note there is not straight forward equivalence to other qualifications but it does explain the level at which you have studied and achieved.
What are credits?
Credits are a way of measuring learning. A credit is based on a nominal 10 hours of learning but this does not mean that you have to spend 10 hours learning as some people can do it in less and for others, it may take more.
How will my learning be assessed?
Your tutor will tell you more about how your learning is to be assessed. On most courses, the tutor or trainer assesses your work as you go along and this does not involve exams. For example, the coursework you produce, such as computer printouts, paintings or projects, will show you and your tutor what you have learnt.
How do I get my certificate?
The centre where you are learning is responsible for registering you with AIM Awards. The centre notifies AIM Awards of your achievement and will then issue your certificate, which your centre will forward to you.
I have lost my certificate, how can I get a replacement?
You will need to contact the centre where you studied, and ask them to submit a Replacement Certificate Request form to AIM Awards. That form can be obtained from AIM Awards by the Centre if they do not have it. You will need to provide evidence of identity in order to process this. Please click here for more details.
What do I do if it goes wrong?
The first thing to do is talk to your tutors or student services if there is one within the college. They may be able to help you with problems in your studies, or advise you how to find further help. If you have a problem with the tutor or training provider the centre will have a procedure you must follow to resolve it.
AIM Awards do not normally get involved in problems between centres and learners. If however the problem is related to the conduct of assessment and is not resolved then it may under certain circumstances be referred to AIM Awards but only once the centres internal processes have been exhausted. Please see our Complaints and Appeals Procedure.