Assessor

Assessors help and assess people who are completing vocational and technical qualifications in the workplace. They usually travel around an area, visiting people in different workplaces.

Also known as:

• NVQ assessor
• QCF assessor
• SVQ assessor
• Work-based learning assessor

Work activities

Assessors visit learners in the workplace, to guide them through the qualification and make sure that their qualification is being completed satisfactorily. Assessors introduce learners to the specific qualification (for example a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)) they will be following. If there is a group of learners at one location, the assessor will do a presentation to the group. The assessor then makes sure that each learner will be working on the level and qualification that is most suitable for their experience and ability.

The assessor spends time with each learner, finding out about any relevant achievements they already have. Often, these achievements can count towards the qualification; the assessor needs to decide whether or not this is the case. To achieve a work-based qualification, each learner needs to present evidence of what they do as part of their everyday job. This demonstrates the learner’s ability to do their job. The assessor agrees with learners the most relevant activities that will count as evidence for them.

Assessors observe learners completing work-specific tasks. Also, the learner’s supervisor or manager will often observe tasks and verify that they have been achieved successfully when the assessor next visits. Assessors record and review progress over a period of time, usually visiting each learner once a month. Together, assessors and learners decide the length of time the learner will take to complete the qualification. Assessors offer advice and support, when needed, and give constructive feedback. They provide training to learners, where required, to meet gaps in skills and knowledge.

Assessors are usually responsible for planning their work and managing their diary. They travel between locations and keep detailed records of each learner they are working with. They work in a team with other assessors, and also with verifiers, who are responsible for quality control of the work of a team of assessors. Some assessors have responsibility for helping with development of the qualification they work with, and making sure they are up to date.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As an assessor, you’ll need:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to support, monitor and motivate learners.
• ICT skills.
• Experience of the relevant work area.
• An understanding of how the system works and equal opportunities.
• Administration skills.

You also need to be:

• Well-organised and methodical.
• Able to work on your own as well as in a team.
• Prepared to work flexibly, when required.
• Able to manage your own time.
• You are likely to need a driving licence, as the job involves travelling around from place to place.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Salaries for assessors are in the range of £22,000 to £35,000 per year. Employers may also pay expenses, such as a car or fuel allowance.

Earnings for self-employed assessors vary but are broadly in line with the rates above. They may charge by the hour, the day, or by the unit of learning that they have delivered. Earnings may be lower when starting out.

Assessors usually work office hours, Monday to Friday, but might sometimes need to start early or finish late, depending on preparation time, or travel to clients’ premises. There are opportunities for job-sharing, part-time work and temporary work.

Opportunities exist throughout the UK. Employers are colleges, training organisations and firms in the private sector.

There are opportunities to work on a self-employed, freelance basis. Some assessors can work from home, as distance learning assessors.

Where are the vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on the Government’s Find a Job service, and on job boards.

Entry routes and training

Employers usually look for people who have experience of, or are currently working in, the relevant sector. You’ll often need supervisory or management experience in the relevant field. Experience of delivering training is an advantage. Although vacancies often ask for qualified assessors, some employers will take on trainees who will complete the relevant assessing qualification, under supervision, as they gain experience.

You can train through a qualification in assessment, generally at levels 3. Qualifications include:

• Award in assessing competence in the work environment.
• Assessing vocationally related achievement.
• Certificate in assessing vocational achievement.

You could also do a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of learning and skills assessor, training for the role on the job while working towards relevant qualifications, supported by your employer.

Qualifications

Employers will ask for assessment qualifications. They might also ask for GCSEs (9-4) in English and maths.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Entrants to assessing usually need a relevant occupational background and qualifications. This means that this is often a second career choice.

Related careers

• Training officer