Let me indulge myself and have a ramble about what it is that so many of my construction management candidates complain about when embarking on their NVQ. Here’s just a few and in no particular order.
This is what they are saying…
I’ve been doing the job for 20+ years, so why do I need an NVQ, I’m sure it’s just another tax!
Please give me a sensible price for my NVQ which doesn’t mean I have to take out another mortgage!
I’m really am too busy for this!… but I know I have to do it because my company and my clients are asking for my managers CSCS black card.”
I move from site to site so I can’t predict where I will be… so how on earth can I be assessed?
I don’t understand the questions! cos they are all so similar, I’m not sure what and how much detail I should include and how to write the answers.
I’m confused!… so which NVQ do I need?
I am sure I could write the answers but if only I could understand the questions!
So what are these other evidences that I have to supply?
It’s all going to take far too long!
… to mention but a few. Some of you may identify with some of them.
Anyway, my response is generally as follows…
NVQ and CSCS cards are not a government tax ploy. They are in reality a process which proves the competence and ability for timed served professionals. Having an appropriate CSCS card at management level ensures employability because the CSCS card has been adopted by the government as the National competency scheme and meets the employee and employer CDM requirements. The CSCS card has become, whether we like it or not, the passport to employment in the construction industry.
A high price is not a guarantee of high service. Some providers charge as much as £2.5K for a level 6 Construction Manager NVQ. It doesn’t have to be so much. Always make sure the price includes an NVQ assessor who is willing to guide you through the process from beginning to end.
Really busy mate! If a candidate informs me that they are too busy to do an NVQ, I respectfully inform them that they are then too busy to remain employed and that in the near future, they are quite likely to have a lot of time on there hands! Blunt, but its true!
Management NVQ’s assessments are completed 99% online. When assessing a brick layer, as an NVQ assessor, I have to witness and assess what and how they build and view what they build. A manager’s evidences are their records, knowledge, qualifications and correspondence.
Need a bit more guidance? The knowledge questions found in an NVQ are prepared by academic professionals whereas most construction managers are not academics, however it is our experience that all NVQ management candidates have greatly benefited from our online candidate statement guidance or knowledge questionnaire guidance.
Yes you do! Candidates need the right NVQ level for the job they are doing and have been doing for a minimum of 2 to 3 years.
Gathering evidence is not rocket science! Lists of typical performance evidences are supplied with each Unit of our NVQ’s.
Yes, it’s available on the web! Our online NVQ candidate statement guidance and knowledge questionnaire guidance is available to all candidates, not just those registered with us. It enables candidates to complete their knowledge statements effectively and to complete their NVQ’s in a timely fashion.
OK, ramble over.
If what I have written here strikes a chord and you would like more information on how to complete a construction management NVQ quickly and cost effectively, please feel free to make contact with me. I will be pleased to discuss your needs with you and give information about prices, support and NVQ additional guidance courses and mentoring services.
