Nvq

An NVQ is a nationally recognised qualification which provides formal proof of the skills and experience gained so that a current or prospective employer can see that they have a competent and skilled employee.

Although an NVQ is a stand alone qualification an operator must gain an NVQ to convert a Red CPCS Trained Operator Card
into a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.

To gain an NVQ the candidate must first register with an accredited NVQ Centre such as AURELIA who can often offer funding through the Train to Gain Scheme. During an induction the best method of completing the NVQ will be discussed and decided.

The conventional method of gaining an NVQ consists of a number of visits to the candidate’s workplace by an Assessor however many candidates are now using the Experienced Worker Practical Assessed Route (EWPAR) which can be completed in one day. This consists of a practical operator test similar to the CPCS test followed by a professional discussion with the Assessor. The professional discussion is an informal chat which covers things like the candidates passed experience, current job role, and how they deal with certain situations etc. It normally takes about one hour and should present no problem to an experienced plant operator.

The big advantage of the EWPAR is that the NVQ does not drag on for months and it eliminates the need for the Assessor to visit various sites and locations which can often prove to be difficult.