Career Opportunities

second interview

Second Interview Questions and Answers

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We hope you are enjoying this mini-series around finding a new job. With times being difficult at the moment, we wanted to share with you some guidance on writing your cover letter and telephone interview tips and tricks. Giving you the very best opportunity to land your new role within these challenging times. Now for the next blog, we are going to run through some of the most popular second interview questions and answers to help you get prepared.

The main thing people worry about with the second interview is how much more they are going to be asked. Surely everything was covered within the first interview? The way you prepare for the interview will probably be the same, but the second interview is essentially the stage where you have to separate yourself from the other candidates.

The employer wants to know why they should hire you over someone else just as qualified for the role. Other key members of the team may also be invited into the second interview so they can see how you will fit in. They will also help with the shortlisting process.

Typical second interview questions

What are the main skills you think are required for this role?

This is the time for you to flourish. You have been invited back for a second interview, which speaks volumes in itself, so now is your time to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Referring back to the job description is always a good idea here, and give examples of how you have implemented the skills they are looking for.

Name the reasons why you don’t want this job

This is often asked to put you on the spot during an interview. A normal interview question, turned completely on its head just to try and confuse you. You should approach this one with caution, and use it as an opportunity to ask the employer about any reservations you have with the role.

What would you change about this company?

This question is designed to make you think about your long term role within the company. How can you help them grow and achieve their targets? Again, your previous research of the company will come in handy here. Highlight any opportunities that you have noticed – is there a way they can expand their market share, for example?

What is your salary expectation?

A tough question to answer, but you will be asked it whether you like it or not! Be honest and give a figure that you feel you are worth. If you are wanting slightly more than advertised on the job description, or towards the higher end of their figure, then justify this. What extra skills and experience can you bring to the company that are going to be valuable to them?

What notice period are you required to give?

This is quite a straightforward question, and shows that the employer is seriously considering giving you a job offer. Make sure you have looked at your current contract and know exactly how much notice you are required to give.

There is no point in lying and saying you have two weeks, as you will end up in trouble with both your current and prospective employer. Factor in any outstanding holidays and commitments you have too. You may want to give yourself a week off before starting the new job so you can prepare yourself properly.

Final things to think about

Be prepared to have a completely different interviewer for your second interview. They may not have been passed all your information from the first round, so treat it as if they know nothing about you.

The interview questions we have included are not an exhaustive list, and you may well be asked things that are more industry-specific within the second interview. As long as you have prepared in the best way possible, you will fly through it. Remember, they liked the first impression you gave so that has to be a positive thing!

how to write a cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter

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Following on from our recent blog where we wrote about our top 10 tips for finding a new job, we thought it might be useful to run through how to write a good cover letter to help you secure that interview. Whilst writing a CV is essential when it comes to applying for jobs, a cover letter is just as important. It is the one chance you have to really sell yourself, and persuade the interviewers to meet you in person. Here is our step-by-step guide for writing a cover letter.

Do your Research

Just like you take the time to research the company you are interested in when you are looking for a new job, this needs to be clear within your cover letter too. Think about what the company does; who their competitors are; who their target customers are; what the role involves; and the skills required to carry out the job. Once you have this information, tailor your cover letter to these points. Make sure you match up your skills to what the employer is looking for.

Formatting your Cover Letter

The general rule of thumb is that your cover letter should be one page of A4 maximum. It should be well-written, grammatically correct, and concise. Busy organisations don’t have the time to read through pages of waffle when they are looking to employ someone. You need to make sure your cover letter says everything that it needs to, in an engaging way. Use a font that is easy to read and try to break up your text using paragraphs.

Addressing your Cover Letter

It is important that you remember a cover letter is still a letter, and should be written in such a way. It should be addressed to the person dealing with the applications (this will usually be found somewhere in the job advert). You should also be able to find this information on the company’s website if it is not visible on the advert.

Structuring your Cover Letter

This part is open to interpretation really; there are no set rules as to how you should structure your cover letter. The most important thing is to make sure that you highlight how you meet each part of the job specification, and the skills that you have which make you a perfect candidate. Here is a rough guideline for the structure, just to give you an idea:

  • Open the letter with why you are getting in touch. This should be short, to the point, and explain which role it is that you are applying for.
  • The second paragraph should go into detail about why you are the right person for the job. Remember your CV contains all your academic information so just expand on the important qualifications here.
  • The third paragraph should highlight what you can bring to the table. If you are successful in your application, how will you help to grow the business? What are your career goals and aspirations? It is a good idea to include examples of how you have improved within your current role here.
  • The fourth paragraph needs to remind the employer why they should meet you in person. Reiterate why you are interested in the role, and why you would be the right fit. By adding a sentence along the lines of ‘I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further’, this helps to show you would like to meet the employer for an interview.

Closing your Cover Letter

Signing off your cover letter is very important. You don’t want to get this part wrong after putting all that effort into the rest of the letter. If you know the name of the hiring manager, sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ (make sure it is a small ‘s’). If you don’t know their name, sign off with ‘Yours faithfully, both followed by your name. You can always leave a gap to add your signature too if you want to make the cover letter a little more personal.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas for writing your cover letter. Feel free to have a browse through our other blogs for useful tips when it comes to applying for a new job.

10 tips for finding new job

10 Tips for Finding a New Job

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With the furlough scheme coming to a close, many businesses are having to make staff redundant as they lose the support from the Government. This is going to mean that the job market will be even more competitive. So unless you are one of the lucky few who work in a high-demand career, you need to be prepared for the challenge.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though. We are here to help you put together a proactive strategy in order to land your next new job. Here are some of our top tips.

Be clear on the job you would like

Is now the time that you leave the usual 9-5 to set up your own training centre? Or after working within organisations for many years, have you considered becoming a freelance Assessor? Take the time during this break to really identify what job you would like. Have a look at your life – is your work/life balanced enough? Or do you need a career that gives you more flexibility? The better you know what you want, the more likely you are to find a job that provides you with satisfaction and a drive to achieve great things.

Spend time researching companies

Once you have identified the job you would like, you now need to spend time finding the companies that offer these roles. Have a look at their website, and get a feel of the company culture too. After all, there is nothing worse than having the perfect job but just not feeling like you fit into the team. Glassdoor is a great website to give you more specific information about a company and its current employees.

Don’t send a blanket CV

Recruiters receive hundreds of CVs for roles that they are advertising; so sending a generic CV is going to put yours at the bottom of the pile. Try writing your CV in a way that answers the specification of the job you are applying to, and make yourself an obvious fit. Rather than focusing on the responsibilities you have had in previous roles, try to make your achievements stand out instead.

Use your network of contacts

Remember those LinkedIn connections that you have been building up over the years – now is the time to use them! A large, strong network of contacts will result in more job opportunities. Let people know that you are #OpenForWork and get networking (via Zoom for now). Don’t be afraid of reaching out to people on LinkedIn; particularly if you know someone who works in the company that you are interested in.

Don’t just apply online

Whilst door knocking isn’t exactly an option given the current climate, you don’t just have to limit yourself to applying for jobs online. Going back to the list of companies that you are interested in and have researched, try getting in touch with them directly. You may want to find the contact details of the internal recruiter (hello LinkedIn stalking!). Or, just pick up the phone and give them a call. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door to begin with.

Take time out each day for job-related tasks

It takes a lot of regular effort and motivation to find a new job, so having a to-do list of goals when it comes to your job search can really help with this. When you tick off daily tasks this can give a little boost and also help to break up the day slightly!

Be kind to yourself

Searching for a new job can feel like a continuous slog. Don’t spend the whole day on job sites as you will become demotivated very quickly. Take time out to exercise, do some yoga, or just take part in activities that you enjoy. Talk to those around you and ask them for support if you need it.

Develop examples that showcase your skills

Now is the time to get that CPD record up to date and collate your portfolio. People tend to remember stories, so start thinking about any situations that you have been in which could be a good example of problem-solving, for example. As you have more time on your hands, would taking up a distance learning course help to improve your portfolio? Showing that you not only have the skills, but also the knowledge required for the role.

Prepare for your interview

Congratulations on getting through the hardest part – gaining an interview. Now you have got this far, don’t let yourself down at the final hurdle. Preparing for the interview is key. Write down your responses to some key interview questions, and if you can have a mock-style interview with a friend. Remember to compile your own list of questions to ask at the interview too as this shows you have taken the time to research the company and the role.

Thank the interviewers

Once you have completed the interview, send a quick note by email that same day. Not only does this show your good manners, but it helps to emphasise how you will fit in with both the job and the employer. Most people forget this stage, so it will help you stand out from the other applicants too.

Final Notes

It will take longer than you think to find the perfect job, so mentally prepare yourself for this. It may be months before you are offered a position, and within this current climate unfortunately things are even harder than normal. If you would like any help with putting your CPD together or any information on the Assessor qualifications that we offer, feel free to call us on 01205 805 155 or email training@brooksandkirk.co.uk

How to Become a CSCS Card Assessor

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One of the most common questions we get asked here at Brooks and Kirk from our trainee assessors in construction is ‘How do I become a CSCS Card Assessor?’. It’s not that simple, unfortunately – let’s have a look into this topic in more detail.

CSCS Card Assessor

So here’s the thing – you can’t actually be an Assessor of CSCS Cards specifically. However, you can be an Assessor in Construction as a generic term; therefore, you can help your learners achieve qualifications in their area of expertise, and qualify them for the respective cards.

CSCS Cards

There is a pretty exhaustive list of CSCS Cards available, as they reflect the different occupations and qualifications within construction. If you work within the industry already, you’ll probably be fully aware of the variety of roles that there are. Each individual card reflects the skill level, qualifications, and occupation of the card holder. The colour of the CSCS card changes as the skill level and qualifications required increase; from Green, to Red, to Blue, Gold, and then lastly Black.

More often than not, you as the Assessor will already hold the card that you want to help learners qualify for. This doesn’t always have to be the case, but 9 times out of 10 it is. In order for a learner to gain a CSCS card, there certain qualifications/skills they need to have; this is where you as the Assessor come in. Your job is to make sure a person is competent in that area of expertise, so they can achieve the relevant qualification to apply for the respective card.

It’s important to know that all applicants for a CSCS card must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. This test is an important one, as it shows that the person undertaking it can be safe on the job. It also reassures them that their colleagues and fellow construction workers are safe on-site and not putting them at risk.

So which cards are available?

Green CSCS Card – Labourer

Starting with the Green CSCS card, this is for people who are wanting to or already work in a labourer job on a construction site. It’s the entry level card but it does still require a qualification showing a basic level of understanding the workings and safety precautions of a construction site. To qualify for a Green CSCS card your learner needs either:

  • RQF Level 1/SCQF Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and/or
  • SCQF Level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate AND
  • CSCS Test for Operatives

Red CSCS Card

There are quite a few Red CSCS cards, so let’s start with…

Apprentice

If the name doesn’t explain it already, this card is for those who are completing or have already completed an Apprenticeship. This is another card that you may commonly find you are assessing your learners to qualify for. For your learner to qualify for this they will need to provide evidence to CSCS that they are/have been registered on an Apprenticeship scheme via a:

  • Letter from the Managing Agency or Apprenticeship Training Provider
  • Apprenticeship Agreement

Some of your learners may be exempt from taking the CSCS test if you can provide evidence that your learner has met certain health and safety requirements as part of their course.

Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager

This card becomes available to those who have at least one year of work experience working within a technical, supervisory, or managerial role on a construction site within the last three years.

So, this card will be for your learners who have experience in these types of roles and are working towards a construction-related qualification. It is a ‘temporary’ card; as it is just used whilst the learner is on-programme of a Level 3 Construction NVQ/SVQ. These cards are designed to be upgraded once you have helped your learner to achieve the relevant qualification. As the Assessor, the training organisation you work for will need to provide evidence that the learner is undertaking said course.

Once your learner has completed their Level 3 (or higher) NVQ/SVQ, they will be able to apply for a Gold Supervisory card or a Black Manager card. More on these later though, as we still have a couple more red cards to go through…

Experienced Worker

The ‘Experienced Worker’ card is similar to the previous; except it applies to those working on a construction site in any role (besides Technical, Supervisory or Managerial). All of the same rules apply as above, in terms of it being ‘temporary’ and the way you would provide evidence for your learner to apply for the card.

However, once your learner has made use of this card, they will progress on to a Blue or Gold ‘Skilled Worker’ card.

Trainee

This card is another one designed for those who are just starting out in construction except in a ‘Trainee’ role. In order for your learner to qualify for this card, they need to provide evidence that they are enrolled onto an approved construction qualification; this is normally an NVQ or SVQ however for this card it can be a:

  • Non-NVQ Diploma
  • Intermediate Construction Award
  • Foundation Construction Award or Degree

This card allows your learner to undertake real work experience on a construction site whilst they complete any of the above qualifications.

Provisional

The last of the ‘Red’ CSCS cards, the Provisional Card is for those who haven’t held a CSCS card before. This isn’t a card that you will commonly find yourself involved in, but we will explain how it works anyway.

Learners who require a provisional card are working through a probationary period and are not yet officially registered on a qualification; therefore they cannot gain access to the construction site. This card allows the person to be on-site whilst their employer assesses their suitability for employment.

The only thing a person needs to gain the Provisional card is, like all card holders, have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test. This card is non-renewable and lasts for just 6 months – so the card holder had better hope their employer 

Blue CSCS Card – Skilled Worker

Finally a different colour! This is the only current card within this colour, and as made obvious by the name, this card is for those who have achieved and relevant construction-related qualification or an Apprenticeship programme approved by CSCS. This is probably one of the most common cards you will be qualifying your learners to be eligible for. In order for your learner to qualify for the Blue card, they will need:

  • Level 2 NVQ/SVQ in a Construction-related subject OR
  • To have a completed an Employer-sponsored Apprenticeship OR
  • A City & Guilds o London Institute Craft Certificate OR
  • A CSCS Approved Trailblazer

Once you have qualified your learner to be eligible for this card, they will be able to demonstrate that they are both an experienced skilled worker, and fully trained in all the Health and Safety requirements of construction sites. Learners would then be able to progress on to Gold cards…

Gold CSCS Card

There are two Gold CSCS Cards available.

Advanced Craft

The Advanced Craft card is for those who are highly skilled within the construction industry and have advanced qualifications, such as:

  • Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in a Construction-related qualification OR
  • A CSCS Approved Indentured Apprenticeship
  • Employer-Sponsored Apprenticeship that included the City & Guilds of London Institute Advanced Craft Certificate

These are the qualifications you would be assessing your learner to achieve in order to gain the Advanced Craft card. Alternatively…

Supervisory

This Gold card is for those working in a supervisory role within construction; Gold Supervisory card holders have high skill levels as well as experience in supervising others.

In order for your learner to qualify for this card, you will need to help them achieve:

  • Level 3 Occupational Work Supervisor in a Construction Environment NVQ/SVQ OR
  • Level 4 Site Supervisor in a Construction Environment NVQ/SVQ

The learner will also need work experience in supervising workers within the construction industry; this is something you probably won’t be helping out with, but it’s good to know what they will need.

Black CSCS Card – Manager

Last, and certainly not least, the highest level CSCS card available; the Black CSCS Manager Card. If you were to assess a learner to be applicable for this card, they would need:

  • Level 4, 5, 6, or 7 within a Construction Management/Technical related subject
  • CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment test (within the last two years).

Many learners will access their Black card through a Level 4 qualification, and keep moving up to higher levels of qualifications over the years. Can you imagine the progress you would see within a learner who you have taken through Levels 4 – 7 in Construction?!

For You, the Assessor

So, we’ve gone through all of the cards that you can help your learner achieve. What about what you need, as the Assessor?

In order to be qualified to assess construction learners and help them achieve the required CSCS Card, you need:

  • A relevant Assessor qualification (Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement)
  • To be occupationally competent at the same level your learner is trying to achieve a qualification in.

Just to clarify on that second point; that means that hypothetically if you wanted to assess learners taking their Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management to achieve the Black Card, you would need to hold that qualification (and therefore that card)! Likewise, if you wanted to assess a learner taking their Level 2 NVQ/SVQ in a Construction related subject, you’d need to hold that qualification too. 

This can also depend on the Training Provider you’re employed by; some require you to hold the specific qualification you will be assessing, but others will accept a ‘sufficient’ years of work experience. As for what ‘sufficient’ means – that depends on the employer.

One thing that’s for sure…

Is that you’ll need that all-important Assessor qualification – the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. Or, for short, the CAVA. That’s where we at Brooks and Kirk come in! You can find out more information about the Assessor qualification on our CAVA Page. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 01205 805 155, or email us at training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.

health care

Use the Pandemic as Inspiration for a New Career

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We can’t escape the fact that 2020 has been one of the strangest years on record. We are all trying to adjust to the ‘new normal’ in education, which is still changing as times move on. The importance and significance of the healthcare sector has been widely recognised due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, we have seen the government and private healthcare organisations stepping up their recruitment of healthcare managers and leaders. This isn’t just with the view to handle further disease outbreaks, but to keep the population both mentally and physically well. With the country in a recession, and unemployment rates rocketing, now may well be a good time to begin a new career in health management.

Health & Social Care Assessors

There has never been a better time to become a health & social care Assessor. In order to assess within this sector, you have to be extremely motivated, organised and flexible in your approach. It is important that you take the time to understand and support the needs of your learners, to enable them to deliver a better level of care. There are also some more specific skills that you will require:

  • The ability to motivate others
  • Extensive knowledge of the health & social care industry
  • Good presentation skills for delivering staff training
  • Problem-solving skills

The Benefits

Health & social care Assessors are often out on the road travelling to various care home settings in order to carry out assessments. Therefore you are able to work from home, and as many studies have concluded, remote workers are often happier and more productive.

Another benefit of becoming a health & social care Assessor is that as you will be assessing in training and development, you will often be working alongside local colleges. Giving you the opportunity to work in a variety of learning environments, which is always a good way to expand your professional network too.

How Brooks & Kirk Can Help

In order to become a qualified Assessor within any sector, you will need to complete an Assessor qualification. If you are hoping to assess learners both within their workplace and within learning environments (which is very important for health & social care Assessors), you need to complete the CAVA qualification. This is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement which we offer as a distance learning course. Meaning that you can study from the comfort of your own home, with our tutors on hand to support you if you need it.

To find out more about becoming a Health & Social Care Assessor, please give us a call on 01205 805 155 and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

bridging the gap in assessment

Bridging the Gap in Assessment – Lack of Assessors

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It has been known for some time now that there is a vocational skills shortage in the UK, and the problem only seems to be getting worse. In order for people to become skilled, they need training – which is where an NVQ Assessor comes in. What if there is a shortage of Assessors too though?

Many organisations have been faced with the problem of fewer Assessors available to keep things going. Whether this is due to people being furloughed, or redundancies being made, there is a gap that needs bridging. Here are our tips on how you can manage your Assessor workload.

Understand the Size of the Problem

First of all, you need to take a step back and look at the problem from an outsider’s perspective. Take stock of how many Assessors you currently have, what they assess, and their current workload. Once you have looked into this, you will be able to identify any gaps and whether your current team have any added capacity to assess more learners.

Look at the Risks

The next stage is to identify high-risk areas, for example particular areas where you have a substantial lack of Assessors. Prioritise these areas, and if resources are tight then focus on where you have the greatest risk. Another place to look at is areas where you can have the greatest impact with fewer people. Are there certain areas where you would only need a couple of Assessors to take on more work? But this could impact a large number of learners? Try to think strategically.

Go Back to Basics

Of course this isn’t a long-term strategy; but now is a good time to review both your competency management system and your assessment processes. Here are some questions to consider:

  1. Are you focusing on the essentials in order to achieve safety-critical tasks?
  2. Is there anything that can be de-prioritised in the short term?
  3. Is there a way to rely on the Assessor less during the gathering evidence part? Can witness testimonials be used instead?
  4. Could the employer be involved more in the assessment so there is less work for the Assessor?

Review the Competency of your Team

What we mean here is look at your team of Assessors and identify whether they need more training in order to fill the gaps. Would online learning such as our Assessor qualifications help to give them the knowledge they need to assess in other areas?

Do your Assessors Have the Right Training?

It is important that your Assessors know what is expected of them, and the procedures that they need to follow when it comes to assessing learners. If you are adding more workload to their pile, they need to be able to crack on without second-guessing what they are doing.

When time is of the essence, you may not be able to release your Assessors for face-to-face training. That is why distance learning is the perfect solution – they can improve upon their knowledge and skills within their own time, without impacting the business.

If you would like any more information on the Assessor courses that we offer, please call us on 01205 805 155 and our team will be more than happy to help.

what can you do after level 3 aet

What You Can Do After a Level 3 AET Course

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The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is the perfect qualification to undertake if you are looking to either teach or train students. It is designed to give you an introduction into teaching, delving into the core roles and responsibilities. You will learn all about lesson planning and delivering these to your students. Rather than diving straight into a teaching role, there are several different options for you upon completion of this course.

Read up on your chosen subject area

Once you have your AET qualification and are teaching students regularly, you may fall behind on what is going on within the industry without realising. It can be easy to get consumed by the day-to-day and not spend time reading up on developments in your field. Networking, either physically or on LinkedIn can really help with this. By building up your professional connections, you are more likely to hear about the latest industry news.

Look at completing the Level 4 CET

If you are a keen learner and would like to add another qualification to your CV, why not look into enrolling on the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training? This course is aimed at those who are currently working in an education setting and want to enhance their skills further. It is a step up from the Level 3; so you will need to put in some more work. Nonetheless, it is a great way to improve your teaching skills.

Combine the AET with CAVA

You should consider AET alongside CAVA (the Level 3 Certificate In Assessing Vocational Achievement). Whilst it is another qualification, this will help to build upon the knowledge you have already gained on the AET. You will learn all about the different types and methods of assessment, and how to carry these out. Having this qualification it will open up lots more doors for you, as you will be qualified to assess learners in a host of different environments.

Widen your range of subjects

Have you ever had a burning desire to teach a different course to the one you deliver? Now could be the perfect time to look into other subject areas that you enjoy, and see what you need in order to be able to teach them. Take the time to shadow an Assessor within a particular field and you will be amazed at how much you can learn.

Make the most of your employer’s training

Most employers offer training as part of their benefits of the job; so if you have access to it, then make the most of it. With the knowledge and skills gained from your AET course, you may even be in a position to kickstart the training that your employer provides. Make sure people are being trained properly, and a well thought out teaching plan is being used. It is a great way to make yourself indispensable!

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas on the next steps after your Level 3 AET course. If you would like any more information or want to speak to one of our team in more detail, please give us a call on 01205 805 155.

Man writing note with laptop in background

5 Reasons To Take an Assessor Qualification

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If you have been pondering over the idea of taking an Assessor qualification, but you just aren’t sure if it is the right move, this blog could be just what you need. Many people turn to assessing because they want to help train others and watch them achieve their potential. It is an extremely rewarding career path, but let’s have a look into some of the other reasons you should choose to take an Assessor qualification.

Professional Development

Yes, we harp on about keeping your CPD (Continued Professional Development) record up to date quite a bit, but for good reason – it is important! When you work in assessment, you build up a range of skills, particularly time management and communication skills. Add these new skills to your CV! It is also a good opportunity to identify any gaps you have in your knowledge, and any steps you need to take in order to become an even better Assessor.

Flexible Working

Becoming an Assessor will give you more flexibility and freedom when it comes to both location and working hours. Life as a freelance Assessor will give you the work-life balance that you have always dreamed of. Whether you are returning to work after having a child, or are looking for a different career path, consider assessing. You can set your own schedule, and only work part-time if you like.

You Fancy A Change

Sometimes we get to a certain age and just decide that the office 9-5 isn’t for us. Very few people actually do something about it though. If you have spent all those years stuck in an office, you might just need a change. You can stay in a sector that you know and understand, but just take a slightly different direction and Assess within that area.

Career Progression

Of course moving up the pay scale is a huge motivator for anyone to become an Assessor. If you are aiming for a promotion, taking an Assessor qualification will certainly help you. Whether you already work in management, or are looking to become a freelancer, the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement is the qualification for you.

Meeting New People

One of the main reasons lots of people turn to assessing is because they get to meet such a variety of people. Being an Assessor definitely isn’t a lonely job! You get to assess students from all different paths of life, and within a variety of different job roles. One morning you could be assessing someone at a construction site, and in the afternoon you could be in a classroom. It is an extremely rewarding role, as you watch and help your students progress through their qualifications.

If you would like any more information on how to become an Assessor, why not give our team a call on 01205 805 155 and they will be more than happy to assist you.

train others

Train Others… Get a Pay Rise and Become an NVQ Assessor

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Becoming an NVQ Assessor is a really popular career path. It gives you freedom and flexibility that a 9-5 job simply won’t offer, and you could also see yourself getting a pay rise in the not-so-distant future too. Rather than going through the usual motions of climbing your career ladder by becoming a manager, an Assessor qualification could be the step you need to take.

Are you currently working in the health & social care, beauty therapy, or construction industry? Are you either looking for a pay rise or are unable to carry out the physical demands of the job now? Here is why becoming an NVQ Assessor could be the right choice for you.

You are already training others

Without realising it, you could already be passing your skills and knowledge onto your peers. It may be that you are keeping an eye on the new apprentices, or overseeing other members of staff. If this is the case, why not complete the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) so you can become an official Assessor.

You want to add value

A great way to progress within any organisation is to build upon your skills and qualifications. The need for in-house Assessors is definitely on the rise. It’s a great way to save businesses money too! By becoming an Assessor yourself, you will not only keep training costs down, but you will help your employer save time too. Training others whilst continuing to do your day job means that you would definitely be in a position to negotiate a pay rise!

Assessing within the workplace

You may be in a position where you have been through the NVQ apprenticeship stages and gained all the relevant qualifications. Why not use all of your skills and knowledge to guide others through the process? Assessments at work can be very daunting; especially when you have someone standing over your shoulder whilst you carry out your role. Use your experience to support others through the assessments.

If your colleagues take NVQs, you could convince your employer that you can carry out the workplace assessments, meaning they don’t have to hire someone else in. Again saving the business money. You will need the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence In A Work Environment (ACWE) qualification if you choose to go down that route.

You have the full package

We have talked about occupational competency and how even if you don’t have a qualification, if you have enough work experience you may be able to assess within your chosen sector. Of course you are slightly limited without a qualification, so having CAVA under your belt as well is always advisable.

Why not put all those years of experience to good use though and Assess learners in the sector that you have years of training in? Top up your experience with an Assessor qualification and you are good to go!

For any further help on becoming an NVQ Assessor, our team are always at the end of the phone to help – 01205 805 155.

ultimate guide part 3

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Assessor | Part 3

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We hope you are enjoying this mini-series! Here’s a link back to Part 1 of the Ultimate Guide to Becoming an NVQ Assessor in case you missed it. Today in the final chapter we are going to look at assessing at different levels, and taking a deeper look into what occupational competence is.

What level can I assess after I have qualified?

If we had a pound for every time we were asked this question, let’s just say we wouldn’t be here. We would be setting sail in the sunny Mediterranean on our very own ship. Now isn’t that an idea?!

Back to being a bit more serious; the quick and easy answer to that question is that you can assess at any level you are occupationally competent to. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t quite as simple as that though. Firstly, you will need to have a look at the qualification specification of the specific awarding body. This will provide all the information you need to know about the qualification, including the ‘Requirements for Assessors’ who are delivering the course.

Do I need to be qualified to be occupationally competent?

In many qualification specifications, there is nothing to say that you must hold the respective qualification in order to assess it. It all depends on how occupational competence is defined by the awarding body. The learning provider themselves will determine whether an Assessor has sufficient occupational competence.

Things can start to get a bit confusing regarding being unqualified though. According to a specification, you may be eligible to assess the qualification; but any provider or college could deem you ineligible to assess the qualification for them. That is what makes this a really hard question to answer. The only way you can truly find out is by getting in touch with the learning provider directly.

Lots of experience, no qualification

For those who have been working in their sector for years and years, this is also a tricky one. Particularly if you don’t have any qualifications to back up your occupational competency. If you are both qualified and experienced in the field you are wanting to assess in, there will be plenty of job prospects for you. If, for example, you have 10 years of experience in a specific area but no qualifications, again it is best speaking with the individual training organisation.

We hope this has helped to clear things up a bit for you. It is a very confusing topic though; so if you would like some more clarification please give our team a call on 01205 805 155. We will be more than happy to run through your individual circumstances with you.

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