Career Suggestion

RQF assessor

Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) assessors check vocational courses and help trainees to meet the standards.

Average salary (a year)

£22000.0 to £35000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 39.0 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm managing your own hours

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

You'll need industry experience and a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the type of work you plan to assess.

You'll also need an assessing qualification, like:

  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment - for assessing in the workplace
  • Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement - for assessing outside the workplace
  • Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement - for assessing in the workplace and outside the workplace

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could do a Learning and Skills Assessor Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You'll usually need a qualification in the subject you want to assess. Employers will also look for relevant up-to-date work experience.

The apprenticeship takes a minimum of a year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

In this job, you may:

  • plan and run vocational training programmes and workshops
  • observe and assess trainees in their workplace
  • interview trainees and examine their portfolios of evidence
  • give constructive feedback and offer advice on how to meet standards
  • keep records of trainees' progress
  • work closely with training staff and employers

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

With relevant experience and qualifications, you could:

  • lead a team of assessors
  • move into further education teaching
  • become a training manager

You could also be an internal or external verifier, checking the quality of work of assessors and training centres.

You may want to work towards chartered assessor status for your own professional development, through the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.

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