Joining Forces to Qualify
56 year old Lesley Kinder has worked in the carpentry trade for over 35 years, 26 of which he has been self employed. Lesley found, that due to the requirement of a CSCS card, access to contracts on building sites was becoming increasingly difficult.
The CSCS card shows that the holder is considered to be competent at his or her job, lists any relevant certificates/qualifications and also shows that the holder has passed a health & safety test. For some types of CSCS cards applicants were able to use their experience as evidence of their competence. This was known as Industry Accreditation or Grandfather Rights.
The majority of these routes to CSCS cards have now closed and to renew the card an NVQ is often required.The experienced workers CSCS cards can not be renewed unless the applicant already holds an NVQ or is working towards a NVQ qualification linked with the Experienced Worker CSCS card they hold.
Lesley contacted Herefordshire College of Technology regarding the Train to Gain scheme. Train to Gain offers funded training in the workplace (NVQs) to employers and employees who wish to develop themselves and their businesses. Currently at Herefordshire College of Technology, the 'Train to Gain' initiative funds; Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations (P&D), Wood Occupations (Site Carpentry and Bench Joinery), Trowel Occupations (Brickwork) at both levels 2 and 3.
The NVQs for construction can be achieved in one of 3 ways. Lesley chose EWPA, (Experience Worker Practical Assessment). Lesley already possessed the 5 years experience in his trade that is a requirement of the course, and was able to prove his skills and competence by using witness testimonies and statements.
Lesley completed a practical assessment and also had a professional discussion with the Assessor to finally achieve his NVQ level 2 in just 10 weeks. This fast track route would normally take between 3 – 6 months.
