career change at 41, but what??

saintjammyswine

rob.b wrote: »

Thanks for that, its seems the A1 is relatively cheap to obtain with plenty of providers. I have plenty of IT hardware experience so the likes of the computer maintenance NVQ would be no problem. Although im guessing actually passing the NVQ you are assessing would be a advantage! Generally who employs the assessors, is it colleges or independent education companies.

You would be employed by the provider, whether it is a college or a private company. Normally on an associate basis so effectively self employed and a zero hour contract where you get paid on either number of learners on your caseload/successful outcomes or sometimes hourly. Usually a combination of the three.

You are not required to pass the NVQ you are assessing as it is about 'assessing' the candidates ability to demonstrate a level of competence within the task to the prescribed standard as set out in the qualification standards. Experience of the task they are undertaking is more important as you are not in theory teaching them to do anything, merely observing (or marking writtenwork).

Re. A1 award, contact your local Further Education College, especially the vocational ones. They are more likely to offer NVQs than the academic ones and will probably offer A1 awards to their own assessors and may be able to add you to the groups.

rob.b_6

Thanks for all youe help on this one guys and gals. Looks like the qualification has changed and its no longer a A1. My local college offers 'Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement ' which seems to have replaces the A1? Looks like it may be back to college in September?

hcb42

I didnt think NVQ assessors paid anything like your salary expectations..

frags27

Hi, why not consider teaching something you do at the moment. What do I mean I hear you say, how about looking at IT Training and become a Trainer teaching IT courses. You need good customer skills and you sound like you have that, you certainly need to able to explain things in simple terms eg. non IT people which again sounds like something you can do. Good organsiation skills and Timekeeping you have said you are good at. I would stick to something you have some experience in the industry but look at another side of IT.

rob.b_6

Im really not sure about the teaching route as it would take so much longer due to my lack of qualifications.
There seem to be many jobs on the net starting at £20k for assessors, ofcourse it's also something I could do part time round my current job.

My only question is how do NVQ assessor employers decide you are qualified to assess certain subjects? Although I have always been in IT I once filled in for six months as a wharehouse manager, would that count towards assesing the Wharehouse NVQ? Having been in a customer facing job could I asscess in the customer service NVQ?
Although I must be getting old if you have to give youngsters lessons in customer service!

SlopingBird

Rob

I saw a careers advisor for the first-time ever a few weeks ago - at the age of 49 - so please don't think they are only for school leavers and young graduates.
I also took advantage of free small business training (three days) and I now have my very own business advisor who is helping me to pursue two different ideas. I live in Wales so things may be different in England, but I've been bowled over by the amount of help out there to those of us who are looking for a midlife career change (I've been made redundant). On the plus side, I also met some very nice people on the course.
On another note, from what you say about yourself and your skills/experience, have you thought about a community development role? The entry rate pay isn't massive (though I'd imagine would be over £20k) but the job would definitely meet your desire to work in the local community and there are opportunities for advancement/promotion.

Life's too short to carry on doing something you don't enjoy forever! Good luck.
SB

Claytone

Here's a couple classic books on making a career change:

What Color is your Parachute

The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success

They really help you define exactly what you want and then give you strategies to land a good job.

yellowlawn

OP. It's funny you should ask this as I have been in IT for 15 years and it seems to be the most talked about subject how to get out of IT. If you get anywhere I would appreciate you letting me know too. :-) I have A level equivalent in Computer Studies and been on a couple of outside courses from work. One was a certificate in customer service were I got a distinction!

hcb42

i also used "what colour is your parachute" and completely changed careers - two stage approach.

It's great as I feel I have two solid careers to fall back on