FAQs

Undertaking the NVQ qualification will help you identify areas of your job in which you wish to develop skills and knowledge. This will allow you to progress in your career and may open up alternative or enhanced job opportunities within your field. The qualification is linked to the common 4- level framework for science technicians so acquisition of the relevant award is not essential to achieve promotion, you will be viewed favorably if you have demonstrated your commitment to continued professional development.

FAQs

I’ve seen the leaflet: “A careers structure for science technicians in schools and colleges”. Who received a copy of this?

In April 2005, ASE sent the career structure leaflet to all 4667 secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A separate letter went to the Head of Science, the Senior Technician, and the Principal/Head Teacher. A copy was also sent to the Chair of Governors.

In addition the career structure leaflet was sent to 187 LEAs, addressed to the Science Advisor and the Head of the Workforce Remodeling Team.

A separate letter was sent from the D&T Association and went to all 4667 D&T departments addressed to the Subject Leader and Technician.

A copy of the covering letters are available on the ASE and the D&T Association websites.

Is this a national career structure?

The proposed structure takes account of the National Agreement Raising Standards and Workload (January 2003). The National Joint Council (NJC) for local Government Services published further guidance in October 2003.

The career structure leaflet describes the four levels as outlined in the NJC guidance in terms of what it might look like for a science technician. Thus for a science technician, this might mean a career structure such as: Assistant Technician, Technician, Senior Technician and Team Leader Technician.

The D&T Association also commends the career development framework as a basis for discussion. This approach has the support of a wide range of some 21 different groups as described in the leaflet.

School Workforce Reforms are beginning to have an impact in schools. The career structure and the LATA NVQ that can be used to support progress and the descriptions that are used exemplify the generic guidance given by NJC.

A four level structure was first described in the ASE/Royal Society report “Supporting success: science technicians in schools and colleges” and also in the guidance given by CLEAPSS in their guide “Technicians and their jobs”. For D&T the equivalent publication is the “Design and Technology Technician’s Guide” published by the D&T Association.

What is the National Agreement?

The signing, in January 2003, of Raising Standards and Tackling Workload: A National Agreement, introduced changes to teachers' conditions of service. This was to be implemented in three annual phases from September 2003.

See: www.remodelling.org/programmes/na.php for further details.

What is the National Remodelling Team?

A National Remodelling Team (NRT) was established to help schools manage the change.

See: www.remodelling.org

What is WAMG?

The NRT works closely with the Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group (WAMG) to provide guidance and support for schools on good practice in relation to the changes to teachers' contracts.

See: www.remodelling.org/programmes/na/who_wamg.php

What then is Remodelling?

The remodelling process is designed to enhance the status and work/life balance of all adults who work in our schools. Remodelling thus supports the growing importance of support staff roles in schools.

See: www.remodelling.org/remodelling/process.php

Schools have found that participation in remodelling has made a real difference to their capacity to raise standards while making schools more attractive places to work for teachers and support staff alike.

In every LEA there is a Remodelling Adviser who coordinates remodelling training for schools and who is the key contact for schools seeking guidance with any element of the agenda.

You can read more about the remodelling process, including case studies of schools' experiences of remodelling on the website.

See: www.remodelling.org/resources/case_studies.php

How will the LATA NVQ help me in my job and my career?

Undertaking the NVQ qualification will help you identify areas of your job in which you wish to develop skills and knowledge. This will allow you to progress in your career and may open up alternative or enhanced job opportunities within your field. The qualification is linked to the common 4- level framework for science technicians so although acquisition of the relevant award is not essential to achieve promotion, you will be viewed favourably if you have demonstrated your commitment to continued professional development.

Who else may be enrolled on the NVQ?

You will be enrolled on the NVQ along with technicians in other schools and colleges and possibly colleagues from your own institution. This will be a great help to you as you will become a member of a community in which you are encouraged to share ideas and learn from each other. Using discussion boards, email and archives of resources, you will be able to engage in discussion with other technicians and find out how they manage various aspects of their job which are common with your own.

How can I do the NVQ?

You can contact techcen (the Technicians working in Education National assessment centre) by either emailing admin@techcen.org.uk or by telephone on 01707 283539. A database of contact names and addresses will be kept, so we can contact you when additional cohorts are being started.  The pilot project has now finished and additional funding from the TDA has been made available for the period November 2007-2008 to support LATA candidates at Levels 2 and 3 across the country.

I have heard that techcen is looking for more assessors?

Yes this is true.  We are always interested to hear from suitably experienced people who are either qualified already as NVQ assessors or would like to train to become one. Once trained and having completed the A1 Assessor Award, assessors can then be employed on to assess candidates working with techcen and other NVQ centres.

Do I have to study on a course?

You don't have to do a course to complete the NVQ. If you are an experienced technician, you may already have some or all of the necessary skills and knowledge to do the NVQ without formal training. You complete the process by developing your skills in the work place, with the NVQ competencies assessed as part of working practice. Many NVQ candidates find this a very worthwhile learning experience that fits in with the way they like to learn. However, if you are less experienced or feel you would benefit from training, techcen is also a training provider and therefore will develop or adapt training programmes which support the NVQ.

How do I know which NVQ level is appropriate for me to work towards achieving?

You have to bear in mind that NVQs are work-based. To gain a unit in the NVQ, a technician must already be in a post that includes the responsibilities the unit covers. If you are a science technician, the “career structure for science technicians” leaflet at www.ase.org.uk could be useful in selecting the appropriate level as it outlines a common 4- level framework for science technicians. Similarly, if you are a D&T technician, you can visit the D&T Technician’s website t www.data.org.uk where you will find descriptions of technicians’ roles at each of the 4 levels. The new Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities (LATA) NVQ (offered at levels 1-4) underpins this 4 - level route. Also techcen will help you through a needs analysis process to select the most appropriate level to fit your requirements. Most technicians are working at level 2 and we find this is the most appropriate starting point. Obviously, subject to the school or college being able to provide suitable experience and opportunities,  they can then progress onto level 3.

Do I need any particular resources/equipment to do the LATA NVQ?

Everything you need to complete the NVQ should already be available in your workplace. Your employer will need to ensure that you have access to a modern PC with internet access, printing facility and an email address. They will be asked to sign a declaration that they will provide this access. You may also wish to use ICT facilities and internet access outside the workplace but it is not a requirement that you have this.

How much does it cost?

The typical cost of an NVQ in 2008 is approximately £1,200. With funding from the TDA we are able to partially subsidise the cost of the NVQ programme. The prices for November 2007- November 2008 are £450 inc.VAT for ASE members or £600 inc.VAT for non-members at Level 2; and £500 inc.VAT for members or £650 inc.VAT for non members at Level 3. Training for the A1 Assessors Award is free in return for assessing candidates.

Is any financial support available to meet the remainder of the cost?

Yes. Financial support may be available from the school. Funding may also be available from your local Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Please visit www.lsc.gov.uk for information on how to contact your local LSC. You may be eligible for a bursary through your trade union. You will need to contact the relevant trade union for information. Depending on your circumstances you amy be eligible for funding from the Train to Gain governement agency. Please visit www.traintogain.gov.uk for further details

Who will support me while working toward gaining the NVQ?

You will not be on your own. In addition to other technicians who will be completing the award, you will be supported in your workplace by a mentor. This is likely to be your line manager but might also be another significant person in the establishment who has the necessary skills and knowledge, for instance a senior technician who already has the qualification. You will also be allocated an assessor who will work with you through the programme.

Do I have to do the level 1 before I do the level 2?

No you do not. There is no requirement to do the Level 1 NVQ before you start the Level 2 and techcen do not offer the Level 1 award. You can go straight in at Level 2 as long as your responsibilities at work are appropriate to the all the mandatory units and the optional units. (This also applies for level 3 or 4)

What if my job doesn't involve all of the responsibilities covered by the whole NVQ?

The NVQ has been designed to be as flexible as possible and should fit most Technician roles at a given level. However, if the role doesn't cover enough of the responsibilities to gain the full NVQ, do not despair. Talk to the head teacher or other line manager and see if it would be possible to rearrange the job responsibilities so that enough units can be covered for the full NVQ.

How do I know which NVQ level is appropriate for me to work towards achieving?

You have to bear in mind that NVQs are work-based. To gain a unit in the NVQ, a technician must already be in a post that includes the responsibilities the unit covers. If you are a science technician, the “career structure for science technicians” leaflet at www.ase.org.uk could be useful in selecting the appropriate level as it outlines a common 4- level framework for science technicians. Similarly, if you are a D&T technician, you can visit the D&T Technician’s website www.data.org.uk where you will find descriptions of technicians’ roles at each of the 4 levels. The new Laboratory & Associated Technical Activities (LATA) NVQ (offered at levels 1-4) underpins this 4 - level route. Also techcen will help you through a needs analysis process to select the most appropriate level to fit your requirements.

How easy is it to progress from level 2 to level 3?

As with any NVQ, you have to be doing a job appropriate to the level of the qualification. However, if you complete the Level 2 NVQ and your experience and job responsibilities increase, you will find that the NVQs have been designed to help you to progress from Level 2 to Level 3 and then on to level 4. Please note that Level 3 requires you to have some managerial experience before you start..

How is assessment organised?

There are five stages in the assessment and verification process:

Stage One:
The assessment process begins with the candidate's induction. They are then guided through the processes of collecting evidence and assessment by their personal Assessor. This will be facilitated through a dedicated website.

Stage Two:
Once the Candidate, in partnership with their Assessor, considers that the evidence collated in a portfolio meets the requirements of the relevant national standards, the portfolio is authenticated.

Stage Three:
An Internal Verifier appointed by the Approved Centre verifies assessments made by Assessors.

Stage Four:
Once the evidence has been assessed as meeting the unit requirements of the relevant national standards, and the Internal Verifier is satisfied with the assessment process, the Approved Centre may request a Unit Certificate from the awarding body through their External Verifier (EV).

Stage Five:
Once all units are complete and the EV is satisfied that the national standards have been met, the portfolio will be authorised for award certification. The Project Management NVQ/SVQ will be awarded to individuals who successfully demonstrate competence against the Standards relevant to the specific level undertaken.