Hi everyone

I have almost completed the Registered Managers Award having completed my NVQ level 4 HSE at the end of last year. My assessor has asked me if I would consider completing the A1 award and so I thought I would ask you guys for some information.

Have people found the award difficult to complete? and what kind of timescale has it taken people to complete? Also have people found the award useful?

Thanks in advance

Rachel

Look at the standards for a1 on city and guilds. They are very explicit in the expectations. You will need to provide 2 candidates who are to do their NVQ through the same centre as you are doing the award. That part is the hardest to fulfil. I am lucky because the county council I will be doing it through are going to sort this out for me.

I am starting the award hopefully in Sept. Having done three NVQ 4's over the past 4 years It looks just fine. As with any NVQ its about obtaining the evidence. The knowledge evidence is relatively easy.

You need to see two NVQ candidates through until your award is complete. You will be attached an assessor naturally. It is good practice to not just dump the candidates when you have completed your A1 qualifcation but see them through their respective NVQs.

As for timescale again that depends upon you and the candidates you will be assessing, remembering you will need to be observed and also attend any induction for the award. As it is just one unit (seperated into three elements) the award I would imagine would take 6 months top.

There is a real shortage of NVQ Assessors, esp for Level 4. It also is very useful tool to posses if managing anywhere because inevitably staff will undertake NVQs. Additionally offers you a different career if you wish to puruse training and NVQ assessing. If you look at NVQs in Learning & Development A1 is usually an optional unit. Furthermore, you will need to attend meetings I think so you keep the award "alive".

Thanks James, your guidance is always very helpful. I am meeting with my HSC assessor in the next few weeks and so I will discuss it with her further. It is really not something that I have considered before, and after RMA I planned to have a short break from courses and such but once I get something into my head the 'break' goes out of the window! I am going to research the need for assessors in my surrounding areas, my company will not fund the course as it is not 'necessary' and so I need to ensure that it is not going to be a waste of money.

Thanks again

Rachel

I keep hearing there is a real shortage of NVQ assessors but I cant find a job anywhere, I guess I did mine in the wrong subject.

Some are using in house Assessors to save money, particularly in childrens sector I have noticed when I look at job descriptions for management jobs.

County council and well respected Organisations such as this one are the only ones I would initially consider.

I would just email centres. Local colleges also also advertise.

I specalise in the childrens sector which is why I am finding it so hard, I could have got a job in adults months ago.

hi new to site,i wonder if anyone can help me i have nearly completed my A1 assessors in childcare but im stuck on a few questions.
Q27 HOW TO IDENTIFY CHANGES IN LEVELS OF CANDIDATES COMPETENCE AND ASSESS HOW THIS AFFECTS YOUR OWN COMPETENCE?

if anyone can help i would really appreiciate it.
thanks

Hi vrk1210

Welcome to the forum.

Try this for size:
If a candidate changes vocational areas or job locations, the assessor must ensure that he/she is competent in that new area. The assessor must keep up to date with the current occupational requirements, understanding that knowledge and skills require regular updating. This can take the form of meetings with other assessors and IV's as well as attending courses of study and workplace experience.

Hope this helps.

Dave