FAQS
LEARNERS FAQS
WHY DO IT?
You can achieve a nationally recognised qualification that proves to others how well you do your job.
It helps you do your job better, as the knowledge gained can be applied right away.
You learn while you are still earning at work.
HOW DOES IT IMPROVE MY JOB PROSPECTS?
It proves your competency to your line manager and is proof of your transferable skills to potential employers.
WHAT COURSES CAN I DO?
We currently offer:
Customer Service
Retail
Administration
Team Leader
Food and Drink
Hairdressing
Warehousing and Logistics
Distribution, Warehousing and Storage
WON'T IT INTERFERE WITH WORK?
No. Our assessors will observe and meet with you during work hours. Visits are approximately 1 hour every 2 weeks.
HOW MUCH WORK DO I HAVE TO DO IN MY
OWN TIME?
We recommended you spend 2 hours per week, however this is dependent on the amount of evidence collected in the workplace.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE
THE QUALIFICATION?
That depends on you. Most NVQ learners take 24 weeks to complete their NVQ Levels 2 and 3 qualification but it can be achieved sooner. VRQ Level 1 Retail should take just 16 weeks.
An Apprenticeship usually takes a year, an Advanced Apprenticeship two years.
DO I HAVE TO ALREADY HAVE CERTAIN QUALIFICATIONS?
Not necessarily, in fact in some cases it will help you more if you don't.
An Advanced Apprenticeship and a Level 3 NVQ will require you to already have either an Apprenticeship, a Level 2 NVQ or some work experience.
Check under the foundation courses, NVQ and apprenticeship heading above for more detailed information.
HOW WILL I KNOW THE COURSE SUITS ME?
The Training Partnership and your employer can help you decide which course to take. A trained member of staff will discuss the programme in detail with you and your employer and will guide you through training and assessment.
Personal qualities which are useful to all courses are: being highly motivated, enthusiastic to learn, eager to gain a qualification to evidence your capabilities and working well with people.
WHAT IS THE QUALIFICATION EQUIVALENT TO?
An NVQ Level 1 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades D-G
An NVQ Level 2 is equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades A-C
An NVQ Level 3 is equivalent to 2 A Levels (1 vocational A Level)
An NVQ Level 4 is equivalent to Degree/EDEXCEL or Higher National Diploma
An NVQ Level 5 is equivalent to Professional qualification or Higher Degree
An Apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSEs
An Advanced Apprenticeship is equivalent to 2 A Levels
WHAT WILL THE TRAINING INVOLVE?
You will follow a programme including mandatory and optional units. You will be assessed at work and encouraged to keep your portfolio (for NVQ levels 2 and 3) up to date. You will also need to work at least one hour a week in your own time.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE EXAMS?
There are no exams, just assessment of the your portfolio plus a detailed visit sheet and feedback.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?
If government funding is available in your area, absolutely nothing. The Training Partnership aims to keep costs to a minimal or no cost. If no funding is available, you can still do course from as little as £450.
CAN I CONTACT SOMEONE IF I NEED HELP?
You will be assigned your own assessor who is your first port of call. The Training Partnership can also help you.
SOUNDS GREAT, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Talk to your employer or call us on 01782 413131.
EMPLOYERS FAQS
WILL IT COST ME?
The Training Partnership works closely with the LSC and colleges to allocate government funded monies ensuring minimal or no cost to the employer.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Training Partnership will discuss the course with you and the learner, explain the content and commitment required and answer any questions you may have.
The employee continues to work for you but will also study up to an hour a week in their own time.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Improves productivity - Employers gain motivated staff who have a greater understanding of their job role.
Provides staff with a sense of achievement - They achieve a nationally recognised qualification that proves how much they know about their job.
Increases staff motivation and staff retention.
Improves/Updates skills.
WHERE DO THE ASSESSMENTS TAKE PLACE?
Assessments take place within the workplace so there is no need for staff to take time off to attend college. There are no exams, just assessment of the learner's portfolio plus a detailed visit sheet and feedback.
WILL THERE BE DISRUPTION IN THE WORKPLACE?
Disruption is minimal. The initial assessment is 1-2 hours and can be spread over multiple visits. Subsequent assessor visits take about an hour every 2 weeks.
HOW LONG WILL THE COURSE TAKE?
That is dependant on the learner, but average guidelines are 24 weeks for NVQs, a year for an Apprenticeship and 2 years for an Advanced Apprenticeship.
WILL I RECEIVE FEEDBACK?
Mangers will receive a detailed report at the end of each assessment with each learner. You can also get a data report every quarter containing more information including when your employee started the course, how many contact visits they've had and what percentage of the course they have completed.