Becoming an NVQ Assessor

Who will train the next generation? How about you?

Training companies say there is an increasing demand for people who can teach and assess vocational qualifications because of a growth in the popularity of apprenticeships.

According to Bright Assessing, a firm which trains people to train others, permanently employed assessors and vocational teachers can earn up to twenty eight thousand pounds a year; those who work freelance can make up to fifty thousand annually.

And, it says, a combination of three things: government investment in apprenticeships, the possibility of students choosing vocational courses over university to avoid high fees, and the need from employers to keep developing the skills of their own staff mean the demand for people qualified to assess and teach vocational awards is high and growing.

The chief executive of Bright Assessing, Krissy Charles-Jones is passionate about how rewarding the role can be, “ Suppose you`ve worked in customer services, retail or as a chef for some years, you will have built up a lot of knowledge and expertise that you could share with others keen to enter and get on in your field of work. Teaching and assessing the formal qualifications involved in apprenticeships is a very satisfying way of developing your own career.”

Bill Hughes,58, from Stafford is an example of someone who did just that. Bill previously worked as a chef for over 40 years in hotels, airlines and catering companies. When he developed arthritis in his knee, the job became too physically demanding .

Bill didn`t want to waste his many valuable years experience as a chef and catering manager, and he also wanted a career that would enable him to give something back. His aspiration was for others to benefit from his knowledge and expertise so he looked to become an NVQ assessor.

Bill followed the Bright Assessing on line course in NVQ Assessing, Verifying and Adult teaching which lead to nationally recognised qualifications. Bright also supplied two real learners so that Bill could carry out practical assessments, assessment planning and feedback. This is a requirement of the course and also enabled Bill to develop his practical skills. Bill then went onto complete his PTLLS teaching qualification with Bright, which is the minimum required to work as a teacher of adults in the lifelong learning sector.

Bill now works as an NVQ assessor and teacher for two local colleges, teaching apprentices and the long term unemployed in professional cookery. His lessons range from food hygiene, learning to cook a variety of famous dishes from around the world to key skills such as literacy and numeracy. This in turn enables others to gain the skills they need to secure employment and a career in catering.

He says “I love my new career; it is so rewarding helping people to learn new skills and gain professional qualifications. It’s a responsible job knowing that my teaching will enable people to begin or start a new career themselves”.

For more information see www.brightassessing.com, 0845 116 2585

Laterlife visitors save £50 (quote ref:LLTAQA)

Advertising feature