What's in it for me?

Undertaking the NVQ qualification will help you identify areas of your job in which you wish to develop skills and knowledge and will prove that you are occupatinally competent in the different areas of your work. It 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 career structure for science technicians from assistant tehcnician to technician, to senior technician to team leader technician. 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. 

You will also gain from interaction with other candidates, assessors, and verifiers, and learn about best practice in the school laboratory environment. If you join as an ASE or a DATA member you will also get the numerour benefits that brings. See http://www.ase.org.uk/htm/membership/technician-membership.php for ASE technician membership details or http://www.data.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=538&Itemid=494

for DATA tehcnician membership details.