Network Rail, Flybe and McDonald’s have been given the right to award nationally-accredited qualifications to employees for the first time.

The employer recognition scheme will form part of the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

John Denham, secretary of state for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills said: “By accrediting high quality in house training schemes we can recognise the value of company training. This is an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that should benefit both employers and employees.”

Meanwhile, Skillsmart Retail, which is currently working alongside the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority on this scheme, has cautiously welcomed the news and urged retailers to consider all of their options if thinking of doing the same.

“Employers formally recognising their training is an important part of raising skill levels and we welcome any moves to support this,” said Beverley Paddey, head of standards and qualifications for Skillsmart Retail.

“However, it is clear that setting up as an awarding body does have serious implications including being open to external scrutiny and we encourage retailers to think about the range of options that are also available.”

For more information on the QCF, details on taking part in the trials and the QCF consultation, visit: www.qca.org.uk/qcf