Anyone works as SVQ assessor?

[Mic78 10]

I have few questions about a job of SVQ/NVQ assesors.

I've been working as a support worker and service leader for a charity providing support to people with learning disabilities. I am thinking about changing my career slightly and I am considering becoming an SVQ assessor. I need an advise from someone who does it already to make sure I'll make a right decision. I've been considering working as an assessor because that would be sort of continuation of my career in social care but also because I am planning to study abroad and I will need to find a job that gives me little bit of time flexibility. I remember that my previous assessors met me once every two months. Apart from that most of the contact was either online or on the phone. I started thinking that being an assessor enables me to do a lot of my work from home which would be ideal for my studies. I presume I will need about one week off every two months (apart from regular annual l leave). I imagine that if I do a lot of work at home then I can afford to have a weeks off now an then. Does it work this way? Do you think it makes sense to try to go for the job taking into account my circumstances. If you have any other suggestions please let me know.

[Classic Rock 10]

Firstly, an SVQ is someone who works in Scotland. You would be a regular Assessor. To be an Assessor you need to have a TAQA qualification or A1 equivalent qualification. This can usually be achieved in around 3 months and costs around £600. It sounds like you have occupational competence in some aspects of Health and Social Care, might be worth thinking of other subjects you may be able to teach in. Assessors nowadays deliver Apprenticeships which include you teaching Maths and English and for some subjects ICT.

 

Most training companies would expect you to work full time and would give you a caseload of learners - around 40 people who you should go to see in the workplace every 8 weeks. Some remote contact is possible but you should be expected to be out on the road. To be part time you may be able to find a training company who deals with Associates where you work on a self employed basis, however being brand new, you would benefit by working full time with a training company until you have grasped exactly what is required of you and have learnt the ropes, so to speak. Generally you would work a 40 hour week on an employed basis.