Dave

The awarding body for construction has joined with the TTA to develop a one day practical assessment to help experienced tile fixers obtain NVQ and then CSCS status.
As part of the drive to achieve a fully qaulified workforce by 2010, CITB-CONSRUCTION SKILLS/CITY&GUILDS has developed the experianced worker practical assessment (EWPA) scheme for those with more than five years experiance.
Candidates should then need no more training.
Over five years ago the body developed on-site assessment and training(OSAT) so workers could prove their know-how by directly demonstrating their skills on site over a period of time. The new scheme,sitting alongside OSAT, will prove even more painless for candidates.
EWPA is now available to all workers seeking an NVQ. EWPA involves one day of skills and knowledge assessment at an off site location normally an NVQ centre, although on-site assessments may be possible in the future.
Tile fixers wishing to be assessed must register at an NVQ centre supporting EWPA scheme. fixers are initially assessed for suitability and are allowed to present testimonails,photos and other evidance.
the second session involves appraisel of practical skills. followed by a professional discussion assessing knowledge of the subject.
If unsuccessful, all work can count towards NVQ qualification through the OSAT scheme, which takes 3-6 months but still requires no time off-site or any formal insruction. The OSAT route allowas fixers to focus on areas in which they are not so skilled during the assessment period. what this going to cost has'nt been mentioned but hope this helps.
you can get tempory cscs but need to pass NVQ 2 to get full cscs...