Your 12-Month Roadmap: Where Will You Be by Next September?
A lot can change in just 12 months when you commit to the right training plan. By this time next year, you could be in a completely different place professionally. Whether that means stepping into your first role as an assessor, progressing into internal quality assurance or expanding your expertise through professional development. Now is the perfect time to map out your next steps and set clear goals for where you want to be next September. In this blog, we’ll explore opportunities to grow through CPD courses for assessors and progression routes such as the Lead IQA course online.
Months 1-3: Laying the Foundations
The first three months of your journey are about getting started on the right track. If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to enrol on the CAVA course, the core qualification you’ll need to work as an assessor.
Alongside starting your studies, take time to set out your career goals. Do you want to focus solely on becoming an assessor, or are you aiming to progress into roles such as an IQA, End-Point Assessor or even a trainer? Knowing your destination will help you make the right choices along the way.
Finally, use this stage to build strong study habits and connect with others. Establish a study routine that balances learning with your other commitments and seek out networks. These connections can provide both motivation and valuable insight into the world of assessing.
By laying these foundations early, you’ll be well-prepared to build momentum as you move along your 12-month roadmap.
Months 4-6: Building Confidence and Experience
By months four to six, you’ll move beyond theory and start putting your learning into practice. This is the stage where you begin carrying out practical assessments, applying your knowledge in real-world contexts.
To strengthen your skills further, consider enrolling in short CPD courses for assessors. These can help you refine specific areas such as delivering constructive feedback, using a variety of assessment methods effectively or ensuring your practice is inclusive and accessible for all learners. Even small CPD courses can make a big difference in your confidence and capability.
If possible, you could also take the opportunities to shadow experienced assessors or volunteer in a training environment. These experiences provide valuable insight into best practices and help you build professional confidence in managing assessments.
Months 7-9: Expanding Opportunities
By months seven to nine, you’ll have moved from being a newly qualified assessor to someone ready to actively work in the field. This is the time to showcase your achievements! Update your CV with your qualification, practical experience and any CPD courses you’ve completed. Highlighting these strengths will help you stand out when applying for assessor roles.
This stage is also perfect for thinking about the next steps in your professional development. Many assessors choose to progress into quality assurance, where they support and guide other assessors. If that’s a route you’re interested in, consider enrolling on the Lead IQA course online. This advanced qualification equips you with the skills needed to take on leadership and quality assurance responsibilities, setting you up for long-term career growth.
Months 10-12: Preparing for the Next Step
As you approach the end of your 12-month roadmap, it’s important to pause and reflect on everything you’ve achieved so far. Consider the skills you’ve gained, the qualifications you’ve completed and the progress you’ve made towards your career goals. This reflection will help you identify areas for further growth and keep your momentum strong.
Now is the perfect time to pursue leadership or specialist qualifications. Options like the Lead IQA course online, End-Point Assessor or the Level 3 Award in Education and Training can help you expand your career options and move into more senior roles within education and training.
To stay competitive in the sector, continue engaging with CPD courses. These short, targeted courses will help you keep your knowledge up to date, strengthen your practice and show employers your commitment to professional development.
Where Will You Be by Next September?
A year may feel like a long time, but with a clear plan and steady commitment, your career could look very different by this time next September.
You might be a qualified assessor, working confidently with learners and building your professional reputation, or an experienced assessor stepping into IQA roles using the Lead IQA qualification as a stepping stone towards leadership and quality assurance. You might also be a professional with a stronger career trajectory, thanks to completing CPD courses that enhance your skills and keep you ahead of the curve.
Why Choose Brooks and Kirk for Your Qualifications?
When planning your 12-month journey, having the right training provider makes all the difference. At Brooks and Kirk, we make sure your pathway is flexible, supported and designed to help you succeed.
You can start your training at any time of the year and study entirely online, fitting learning around your lifestyle and commitments. Our expert tutors guide you throughout, and we guarantee access to learners so you can complete the practical elements of your course with confidence.
From assessor training through to advanced study, such as the Lead IQA course online and short CPD courses for assessors, we provide every step you need to grow and progress in your career.
Take the First Step Today
Where will you be by next September? Whether you’re starting your assessor journey, building experience through CPD courses for assessors, or preparing for progression with the Lead IQA course online, Brooks and Kirk will guide you every step of the way. Enrol with us now and begin your journey.