Using National Occupational Standards in business

NOS can be used to complement companies’ own competence frameworks by adding a further dimension to effective performance – achievement against national benchmarks.  Their uses for employers include the following:

• Recruitment and selection – including drawing up person specifications and job descriptions
• Competence assessment
• Appraisals and designing reward systems
• Training design and delivery
• Succession and career development activities, including effective skills upgrading

As a valuable resource for employers, NOS include the following uses:

• Identification of skills and knowledge needed for occupations
• Providing a reference to assess ability and training needs
• Identification and support of career paths
• Providing guidelines for certification and accreditation
• Increasing mobility within industries

NOS also form the building blocks for a range of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and other qualifications.