National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are a truly exciting new concept in training which match the development and assessment of knowledge and skills to service needs. They are non-prejudicial and have a flexibility which can make them an attractive option in any forum and to any grade of staff. Please do not discount this as mere propaganda--it may not quote the official doctrines to the letter, but it does describe the basis of the NVQ philosophy which matches service requirements with specific skills training and, after two years' involvement with these qualifications, I have to agree. In this first article, the 'backbone' of the structures relating to an NVQ strategy will be described, both at a national and a local level.