LATA

The Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities Award

This qualification is intended for those already working in a laboratory environment, within an Education, Service or Industrial context. It is particularly appropriate for technicians working in the school and college education sector in the areas of Science, Design and Technology and related curriculum areas such as engineering and construction.

It is for those who work under supervision with responsibility for their own work. The programme provided by techcen is flexible and is suitable for those seeking a formal and recognised qualification for the duties they already undertake. The qualification is provided at 4 levels which candidates progress through on completion of a number of units. Both an education and industrial pathway are provided.

Please note techcen is currently only offering Levels 2 and 3 of the educational route

National Vocational Qualifications

National Vocational Qualifications ( NVQs) are nationally recognised qualifications aimed at both new trainees and experienced employees. The Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (LATA) Award is one such NVQ. There are no pre-entry requirements or prescribed methods of learning. Anyone can be registered and assessed through an assessment centre approved by an awarding body such as PAA/VQSET.

techcen is a registered centre for the LATA award. To gain an NVQ, candidates need to be employed in a relevant educational or industrial context but are not required to attend a course. They will usually be required to attend an induction session but thereafter they will complete the qualification within their own workplace. NVQs are based on occupational standards developed by employers. Occupational standards describe how employees should carry out their jobs. Being awarded an NVQ proves that an employee can use their knowledge and skills to do the job they are paid to do and demonstrates that they are competent.

NVQs assess what someone knows and can do in particular the application of skills. In addition they are based on the idea that it is essential employees apply and use a range of appropriate knowledge and skills to complete work activities efficiently and cost effectively.

NVQ Assessment

Instead of taking examinations, candidates are continually assessed against the national standards as they carry out their job in the workplace. Assessment can be completed by other employees but in the main by an external assessor who techcen link with the candidate. Together they collect evidence to demonstrate how a work activity was completed. The evidence is then stored in the candidates Electronic Portfolio that is provided in their home space on the techcen website.