Is Assessing a Good Career for a Parent?
Parenthood is a blessing, but it can make returning to work hard. Lots of parents want to enjoy time with their child and struggle to find a role that gives them the work-life balance they’re looking for that still pays the bills.
So, is becoming a Qualified Assessor the answer? Quite possibly! And in this post, we’re going to explain why.
1. You’re probably halfway there
You can only train to become an assessor if you’re qualified in a vocational field – either through formal education or relevant work experience (we always recommend at least 3 years). However, if you’ve got this under your belt, then you’re already halfway to becoming an assessor. All you need now is a CAVA qualification.
Now, while CAVA can be challenging, it doesn’t take the same commitment of time and money as a degree or complete change of career. Instead, it’s a cost-effective and time-effective way of increasing your job prospects.
What’s more, many learning providers (including Brooks and Kirk!) offer distance learning options – meaning you can complete your CAVA course from home while still killing it as a parent.
2. If offers incredible flexibility
There is no standard work pattern for a qualified assessor. Some people will make it their full-time job, while others go freelance and create a work routine that fits their lifestyle. This makes assessment the ideal choice for parents who need to prioritise their family.
3. The pay is very attractive
Full-time assessors often earn in excess of £25k a year and freelance assessors can earn anywhere from £12-£35 an hour. This makes becoming an assessor a really promising choice for parents who want to cut down on their hours but can’t afford to miss a huge chunk of their salary. You can earn decent money on limited hours as an assessor, all while making your schedule fit around your childcare needs.
4. It’s in high demand
With so many people choosing academia over vocational careers, it’s left a huge gap in the market for skilled assessors. So, if you’ve been working in a vocational sector for four years or more, you’re in an enviable position. The sector is crying out for new assessors who can help keep trade skills alive; there’s simply a lack of qualified people to fill these positions.
5. It offers a good route back into full-time work
Many parents choose to cut down on their hours when they have young children but want to get back into full-time work as their children get older. The great thing about becoming a qualified assessor is that the skillset you acquire gives you the best of both worlds. You’ve got the option of going freelance and choosing your hours, but when the time is right to go back into the workplace, you can just as easily pick up a full-time role.
Thinking about training to become an assessor?
Look no further. If you’re a parent (or soon to be!), then take a look at our CAVA course. You can complete this from home and become qualified in as little as five months. If you’re still not sure, then please get in touch today for some no-obligation expert advice.
Steve is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
He provides Educational Consultancy to the 19+ sector as well as being an Assessor, IQA, EPA and Digital Marketing Professional. When not doing any of these he finds time, every now and then, to write blogs and articles.