Guest Blog from Brooks and Kirk
The new year means a fresh start for most of us. It can also push us into wanting to have a better year for ourselves. This could be career-boosting or even changing your job completely! Career progression can open doors for us to explore more benefits in life. Or having the work-life balance to take time off to enjoy with your kids. Alternatively, it could be increasing your money so you have a little extra cash or self-fulfilment. It will be the perfect time to rethink and reinvent your career.
How can you change careers? We'll be looking at Training, Assessment and Quality Assurance, what they are, and how they can help you change your career trajectory.
Assess Your Options
Industry changes have been enormous. As education continues to advance and change dramatically, the need for assessors, tutors, and IQAs is greater than ever. It doesn't matter what sector you work in; these jobs are essential to making sure standards are met. You can become an Assessor or Tutor, or Quality Assurer in any area of expertise, so you can use what you’re already good at!
Become an Assessor
Assessors play a critical role in evaluating the skills and knowledge of individuals undertaking training or qualifications, especially in apprenticeships and NVQs. They assess the competency of learners, making sure standards are followed.
To become a certified assessor, you typically two things: occupational competence and an assessor qualification.
The assessor qualification is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, or CAVA for short. This qualification will make you a fully qualified assessor. This means you can assess learners in both the workplace and their learning environment.
Become a Tutor
Tutors play a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring learners, providing them with support to enhance their understanding of specific subjects or skills. Helping them gain the qualifications. Key responsibilities include delivering engaging lessons, assessing student progress, and adapting teaching methods to meet individual needs. Exceptional communication, patience, and adaptability are essential skills for anyone aspiring to excel in this role.
The first thing you would need is an education and training qualification. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training, or AET, is the best one to start with. This is your stepping stone to getting into tutoring or teaching adult learners. Similarly to the CAVA course, if you have relevant qualifications and experience in your subject area, you can teach adult learners. Furthermore, continued professional development (CPD) is key to advancing as a tutor. Attend workshops and conferences and stay informed about educational trends.
Become an Internal Quality Assurer
Internal quality assurers play a vital role in the quality and consistency of assessment processes within an organisation. They oversee assessments, verify the work of assessors, and ensure that internal policies and external regulations are adhered to. The role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of training and assessment programmes. If you want to become an IQA, you need to have an assessor qualification. It's recommended that you have the full CAVA qualification. Then you can move on to taking the IQA qualification that best suits you.
The qualification you need is the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice.
Advantages of those Careers
Choosing a career in assessment, tutoring, or quality assurance comes with its own set of advantages. Professionals in these fields often find themselves at the forefront of innovation and improvement. They contribute significantly to the enhancement of processes, services, and educational outcomes. Job satisfaction is high, knowing that your efforts directly impact the quality and effectiveness of the systems you evaluate. For those considering a career shift, the prospect of becoming an assessor, tutor, or internal quality assurance professional holds the promise of meaningful work and professional growth.
Conclusion
As we draw the curtain on this exploration of new career possibilities in assessment, tutoring, and internal quality assurance, it's evident that the new year brings not only the promise of change but also the potential for personal and professional transformation. Whether you choose the path of an assessor, a tutor, or an internal quality assurer, the opportunities for growth, impact, and fulfilment await. Why not start your journey today? Brooks and Kirk can provide you with the qualifications you need to change your career. Whether you decide to become an Assessor, Tutor or IQA, they have the qualifications you need. Get in touch with their friendly team! There's no commitment from them, you can either call them on 01205 805 155 or by email at training@brooksandkirk.ac.uk.