What is a NVQ?
The conclusion to any training is the assessment of the candidates retention and understanding of the knowledge that has been delivered during the course. All courses available through Shire4education.com include a test on the day to confirm this.
Instructors will go through the test papers to ensure any misunderstandings are clarified and candidates leave the course with knowledge to operate safely and skillfully.
At this stage, all courses will result in the issue of a certificate of attendance and in some cases a card. However most courses require a period of experience, followed by a NVQ/SVQ assessment.Shire4education.com are able to deliver NVQ/SVQ qualifications through four directly employed A1 assessors.
A NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is confirmation that an invivduals work skills satisfy core standards expected of the activity. In Scotland, they are known as Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ's).
To achieve a NVQ, candidates must prove they have the ability to carry out a job to the required standard. Proof may include testimonies, certifcates of prior learning, observations, photographs, site paperwork etc. NVQs are based on 'National Occupational Standards' that describe the 'competencies' expected in any given job role. There are five levels of NVQ ranging from Level 1, which on basic work activities, to Level 5 for senior management.
Who is involved?
The candidate, a NVQ assessor (gathers evidence and creates a portfolio), the Internal Verifier (checks the portfolio is valid and authentic), the Quality Advisor (ensures the process standards are in order).
How does it work?
- Typically, a candidate will attend a foundation course at Shire4Educations Colwich centre, which gives the underpinning knowledge required by the standards. Shire4 Education offer a wide range of courses; from slinging & signalling and precast erection, through to safety net rigging (see courses).
- Following registration, the Assessor will meet the candidate and explain the process (induction), clarifying the roles of all parties involved and types of evidence needed (note; THE CANDIDATE AND HIS EMPLOYER WILL NEED TO GIVE EVIDENCE TO THE ASSESSOR FOR THE PORTFOLIO).
- The assessor and candidate will arrange to meet on site, where the candidate will need demonstrate his competence in various work activities. The assessor is likely to take pictures of the candidate working, write an observation report and may gather site paperwork.
- This process is repeated until the assessor has sufficient evidence to prove the candidate has the necessary skills required of the national occupational standards.
- The assessor will "sign off" the candiate and submit the portfolio for approval from the Internal Verfiier. Once this is achieved the candidate will receive a certifcate and in some industries, apply for a Skills card.
• Click here to see a "simple" overview of the NVQ process for safety nets. (PDF 48Kb)
Click here to see a simple overview of the process for other NVQ's (GUS, THIS IS NEW)
Note: slight variations may occur with each individual NVQ. It is important that you discuss the intracacies of each NVQ subject with Shire4Education.