QCF stands for qualification credit framework and it is the framework that qualifications now sit on. There are awards, certificates and diploma's. The QCF hasn't replaced NVQ's, the awards, certificates and diploma's have.
Imagine the QCF being a like a library and the books are the different qualifications.
NVQ's have now been renamed as Diploma's, very similar to O levels changing to GCSE's.
The Diploma's are still vocational qualifications and you will be observed and assessed on the job for the qualification. If you are given a workbook at level 3 and just told to work though it, I would seriously question the training organisation or college, as this is. to the way it should be done.
There is very little funding out there know for just doing the Diploma, so you might find yourself doing Apprenticeship qualifications. This is not to be confused with what youngsters do.
You would do a number of different qualifications - Diploma (vocational on the job qualification), Technical certificate (knowledge based qualification like BTEC) and then maths and English, which is called functional skills.