Project: TransQual: Migrant Worker Qualification Conversion

Highly qualified, skilled people come to the UK from abroad whose qualifications are not recognised in this country. Utilising the government-endorsed National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) database containing detailed information about foreign qualifications, TransQual offers employed migrant workers and employers the opportunity to engage in a qualifications conversion process. Their degree or qualification is analysed for its UK equivalence, and they receive a letter confirming the comparable level. Project participants also receive information, advice and guidance on career opportunities and choices within the UK in relation to their qualifications and experience.

Project feature

Maximising the usage of skills brought to the UK by foreign workers

Skills development is an important focus both nationally and throughout the region. Migrant workers often bring qualifications and skills needed by local employers but, without proper recognition, these skills may not be utilised in the jobs to which they are appointed. Both employers and employees benefit when employee abilities are maximised to their full potential.

The TransQual Migrant Worker Qualification Conversion project was set up to address this. Utilising the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC), foreign qualifications can be compared and converted to their UK equivalent. The NARIC suite of databases provides the only official source of comparison information and advice on international education and training systems and overseas skills and qualifications, with data from over 180 countries.

The project is delivered across the East of England by experienced delivery partners in local areas, maximising accessibility for participants. An employed migrant worker first attends an information, advice and guidance session with a Level 4 qualified tutor, during which key information is captured on an application form and evidence of their qualification is produced. This is forwarded to the NARIC organisation for conversion, and the participant receives an official letter establishing the UK equivalent of their degree or qualification. The worker subsequently attends another meeting to discuss how they might wish to proceed with their career, including, if appropriate, support discussions with their employer regarding opportunities to work at a level consistent with their skills and qualifications.

The programme has met with great success at the Great Yarmouth Community Trust (GYCT) under the regional sub-lead of The Norfolk Learning Partnership. The GYCT promote Induction Days through advertising and referrals, where they explain their services under this project and sign people up for afternoon or evening sessions. Approximately 80% of participants come from word of mouth and 20% are referred by the union, Unite. Lessons take place in the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of the Priory Learning Centre, where the GYCT is based. The Induction Days provide such an effective entry point to the project that the GYCT met their target to provide support for 34 migrant workers a full year before the end of the programme. Participants who take advantage of the qualification conversion are also offered the opportunity to improve their English language skills.

Employers may also avail themselves of the qualification conversion programme to improve how they are utilising their workforce. It offers them an opportunity to establish clearly the skills level of their employees and employ them to the best advantage of the business.

The TransQual Migrant Workers Qualification Conversion project works in conjunction with the TransQual English Language Training project, offering migrant workers pre-ESOL training to improve their English skills and, ideally, leading onto English language qualification courses.

Contact details

Cindy Armstrong, Migrant Worker Qualification Conversion Project Co-ordinator
The Learning Partnership – Bedfordshire and Luton Ltd
1 Sunbeam Road, Woburn Road Industrial Estate, Kempston, Bedfordshire, MK42 7BZ
(01234) 852132
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it