If you are interested in working in construction, you may have heard about National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ). But, how do these assessments help you get a job in construction? Let’s discuss what NVQ are, why they are important for the construction industry, and the process of completing them.
What are NVQ Construction Assessments?
National Vocational Qualifications are beneficial for those looking to work in the construction industry because they show future employers the construction skills you possess. These qualifications are on-the-job site instead of described on paper or during an interview. NVQ have different levels of certification to test specific abilities you perform on the job. Employers consider this certification an asset to their construction company.
Why are NVQ Assessments Important?
Beyond recognizing your existing skills for your future job, National Vocational Qualifications are important to prove you know the industry’s standards. The benefits of taking NVQ include:
- On-the-job evaluation, an employer does not have to work around your absences
- Acquire certification without exams
- Better pay and job placement
- Recognized certification at a lower cost than university/college
How to Complete NVQ Construction Assessments
Unlike a typical university course, NVQ use an alternative work-based method to evaluate your skills and capability to perform specific tasks. Doing so offers your future employer insight to how well you will perform after being hired. There are different levels of completion based on the difficulty of construction tasks. All NVQ are listed together on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) for easy reference. Completing NVQ can lead to better hiring placement, wages, and future management opportunities.
Assessments
the NVQ assessor will compile your portfolio based on evidence collected from site and carry-out site observations to assess your skills and knowledge. Your portfolio contains proof of tasks and achievements you completed at work. You may submit your own work electronically when you are being assessed during online portals. During observations, an assessor visits the job site and watches you perform construction tasks. You and your employer get to decide when he or she comes to observe you. Observations may take longer when you are completing higher-level NVQ.
Levels of NVQ Assessments
The construction assessments are arranged from level one (entry level) to seven (senior level). Lower levels require the least amount of work. At these levels, individuals show up to work, learn tasks about the job, and complete it correctly. Higher-level assessments with difficult skills or management techniques may require additional time on the job. There is no time limit to completing each level of qualification. If you already hold other NVQ’s, you may be able to skip to certain units/learning outcomes through recognition of prior learning.
Before completing an assessment, you classify as “competent” or “not yet competent.” There are no pass or fail grades to determine your skills. Certifications are based solely on you demonstrating your level of construction knowledge. If you classify as “not yet competent,” you have more time to gather evidence of your skill growth to move on to the next course level.
If you are interested in NVQ construction assessments, Magic Training is here to help. Contact us to get your career in construction jump-started today!
