Further Information For Candidates
An NVQ is a qualification that can be gained by proving your competence in the workplace.
Workshops
Most NVQs include a series of one day workshops held at our Eastcote offices, or at other local venues.
The first step is an introductory workshop designed to help you with the background knowledge for the qualification and give you advice about building up your portfolio.
At the induction the requirements for the LSC Safe Learner concept is introduced to ensure learners understand the importance, principles and practices of Health & Safety.
A portfolio contains evidence of your work to show that you are competent to the national standards of your NVQ.
Workshops also give you an opportunity to meet other people taking the same course as you.
Back To TopWorking with your assessor
Soon after you have attended the introductory workshop you will meet your assessor in your normal place of work. The assessor will explain about the NVQ and the assessment process in more detail. You will also agree a target date for when you will complete your NVQ.
As well as assessing your portfolio, your assessor will provide help, guidance and support throughout the duration of the qualification.
How often will I meet my assessor?
You will usually meet with your assessor once every three to four weeks. These meetings will usually last about two hours.
What will happen at future visits?
Having previously agreed a plan of action with you, your assessor will discuss what you have achieved and assess this against the relevant NVQ standards.
Some of the things you might be asked to do are:
- Write short reports explaining, for instance, a problem you have dealt with
- Collect documents that you have written or wish to use as evidence
- Ask your manager, or possibly customers, to write a short statement confirming how you do an aspect of your job. This is called a Witness Statement
- Take photographs to illustrate an aspect of your job
During visits, your assessor may do some or all of the following:
- Observe you carrying out your job
- Ask you questions and discuss situations that have happened at work. These discussions can be recorded on tape but this is not essential if you would prefer not to
- Speak to supervisors or managers
- Look at work you have produced and records that you use
How long does an NVQ take?
Most people take between six and twelve months to complete their NVQ. The length of time depends on several factors:
- To what extent you need further experience or training to reach the required standard
- How much time you can give to organising your portfolio of evidence and completing work which is required
- The amount of support and encouragement received from your manager including being allowed time to attend workshops