How can I upscale my level 3 diploma to a nvq

[Steblue]

How can I upscale my level 3 diploma to a NVQ. I am self employed and want to upscale my bpec level 3 diploma.i have been quoted silly prices from local colleges and wanted to k ow if there is anyone operating as freelance who can do this at a more affordable price.

 

[Burger]

Are you sure it’s not already a nvq?

See this link

Plumbing and Domestic Heating qualifications and training courses | City & Guilds

 

[Steblue]

Are you sure it’s not already a nvq?

See this link

Plumbing and Domestic Heating qualifications and training courses | City & Guilds

Yes, it's a bpec level 3 diploma in plumbing foundation.

 

[Burger]

Yes, it's a bpec level 3 diploma in plumbing foundation.

I see, a new one on me. Where in the uk are you based?

 

[Tea-Break]

Hi Steblue,
I ‘m a little out of touch with the lastest version of Level III ie new Trailblazers.
However, if you wish to take the Gas route that is obviously why it’s so expensive.

 

[Steblue]

I see, a new one on me. Where in

 

[Steblue]

I'm based in Manchester.i completed a level2 diploma then progressed on to level 3. As they are not a nvq I cant get my cscs blue card which is a hindrance for employment hence the need to upscale.

 

[Steblue]

Hi Steblue,
I ‘m a little out of touch with the lastest version of Level III ie new Trailblazers.
However, if you wish to take the Gas route that is obviously why it’s so expensive.

The bpec level 3 plumbing foundation course I completed didn't touch on gas.

 

[Tea-Break]

The bpec level 3 plumbing foundation course I completed didn't touch on gas.

This is the problem. I expect the BPEC is similar to
C & G 6035.
Unfortunately, at Level III they’re worthless. Only pushed by Colleges as a ‘cash cow’ for full time students. I remember C & G offered no route for progression, insisting that candidates completed the 6189 Level III route from scratch.
As I said, I’m not familiar with BPEC Quals. But I know I ‘m right about C & G.

 

[Tea-Break]

Just thought, you can get your CSCS card via your Level II NVQ. No need to worry about Level III.
If you have a Blue (Trained) card, you used to be able to upgrade to Gold (Advanced) through ‘Grandfathers Rights’ with supporting evidence from your employer.

 

[Tea-Break]

Sorry Steblue,
I have just reread your original post.
From this I note you are self employed and do not
have a Level II NVQ.
You CANNOT get a Level III NVQ without FIRST obtaining Level II.
This NVQ ( Level II ) used to cost approx £1000.
However, you need to be employed, working with a qualified plumber.

 

[Burger]

Unless you can get some form of grant/loan or be willing to be employed by someone else you might just have to pay the “silly” fees. I’ve just looked at my local college and theirs is similar in price. Usually if you talk to the college they may be able to assist as in pay instalments.

 

[Steblue]

This is the problem. I expect the BPEC is similar to
C & G 6035.
Unfortunately, at Level III they’re worthless. Only pushed by Colleges as a ‘cash cow’ for full time students. I remember C & G offered no route for progression, insisting that candidates completed the 6189 Level III route from scratch.
As I said, I’m not familiar with BPEC Quals. But I know I ‘m right about C & G.

Unfortunately it seems I was miss sold the value of a level 3 diploma

 

[Steblue]

Sorry Steblue,
I have just reread your original post.
From this I note you are self employed and do not
have a Level II NVQ.
You CANNOT get a Level III NVQ without FIRST obtaining Level II.
This NVQ ( Level II ) used to cost approx £1000.
However, you need to be employed, working with a qualified plumber.

Is there no other route for the self employed? I have obtained all the photo graphic evidence when in previous employment and just need the site visit.

 

[Steblue]

Unless you can get some form of grant/loan or be willing to be employed by someone else you might just have to pay the “silly” fees. I’ve just looked at my local college and theirs is similar in price. Usually if you talk to the college they may be able to assist as in pay instalments.

Maybe I'll have to just bite the bullet.its a hard pill to swallow having paid over £3000 for a qualification that seem not to be worth the paper its written on.

 

[Tea-Break]

Hi,
My advice would be to speak to your original College/Training Provider, with a view to completing NVQ Level II.
As for your Portfolio of Evidence, the jobs (three jobs-carried out twice + H & S). These must be carried out at the addresses of the site visits.
All current Portfolios are now electronic with info uploaded by you and your Assessor. So dates would all have to match.
Sorry but it does seem you were not made aware of the facts originally !!
Maybe your original Training Provider can see a way forward, given their lack of clarity?

 

[Steblue]

Hi,
My advice would be to speak to your original College/Training Provider, with a view to completing NVQ Level II.
As for your Portfolio of Evidence, the jobs (three jobs-carried out twice + H & S). These must be carried out at the addresses of the site visits.
All current Portfolios are now electronic with info uploaded by you and your Assessor. So dates would all have to match.
Sorry but it does seem you were not made aware of the facts originally !!
Maybe your original Training Provider can see a way forward, given their lack of clarity?

 

[Steblue]

Thanks your your help