FOCUS : EDUCATION A NEED FOR TRADESPEOPLE The further education sector needs experienced tradespeople who want to combine their role with training students in their trade. From courses in beauty therapy to bricklaying, music production to mechanics, there are scores of areas that need people in the know. Becoming a National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) assessor is a way to use your skills and experience in a different 1 1 8 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S way, to help people get their start in your trade. The role involves supporting and assessing students who are working towards their NVQs, and making sure they meet the necessary standards. As an NVQ assessor, you'll need a NVQ level 3 or above and knowledge, experience and skills in the subject you'll be assessing. Fantastic communication skills, wanting to help people develop and good report writing are also key. Duties of the role include observing students in their workplace, looking for evidence they're operating safely within sector standards by examining their portfolios and interviewing them to find out how they'd cope with unusual situations. You'd also sign off their NVQ when they meet the necessary requirements and give feedback and advice if they don't.