NVQ's are based around actual work, the idea behind them being someone who'd been doing a job for 20 years with no formal qualifications could obtain the qualification just by showing competence and knowledge. Unfortunately because there is money to be made, every Tom, Rick and Larry now expects you to have one to work for them, and there are companies willing to give you one if you cough up enough cash.
Thanks for clearing that up. So effectively I could do an NVQ once/if I manage to get work as a spark's mate? I'm happy to cough up cash for any course that benefits me in the long run. I guess I will just have to keep on pestering the companies and keep fingers crossed.