What comes next for your career in education and assessment?

Education is changing quickly, and the last 18 months have brought significant developments for those working in apprenticeships and adult education. As a new academic year begins, September is the ideal time to pause, reflect and ask: what qualifications could help you move forward, strengthen your professional practice and stay ready for what comes next?

With apprenticeship programmes continuing to evolve, many professionals are thinking carefully about their next career step. Independent End Point Assessors will remain important for some time, but the move towards more internal assessment means there is likely to be increasing demand for qualified assessors and internal quality assurers. For assessors, confidence in teaching is also becoming more valuable, making teaching qualifications a strong addition to your professional toolkit.

Awarding organisations usually expect assessors and internal quality assurers to hold qualifications specific to their role, alongside any teaching qualifications they may already have. Ofsted also expects teaching and assessing staff to maintain up-to-date occupational competence, hold relevant qualifications and take part in regular continuing professional development.

That is why now is a good time to review your career goals, recognise your strengths and identify any gaps in your skills or qualifications. Choosing the right course can help you build confidence, meet sector expectations and open up new opportunities in assessment, quality assurance or teaching.

If you are already a qualified assessor, internal quality assurance could be the next step in your professional development. The Award in Understanding Internal Quality Assessment is ideal if you are not yet in a position to demonstrate IQA practice. It also forms the first unit of the full IQA qualification, giving you a clear pathway towards becoming fully qualified. If you are already carrying out internal quality assurance in the workplace, we can support you to complete the full IQA qualification.

Of course, if you are already a qualified IQA then maybe external quality assurance is your next step? We offer the Highfield Level 4 Award In Understanding the External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice, the best starting point for anyone who wants to become an EQA or excellent CPD for experienced IQAs.

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If you hold the Award in End Point Assessment, are actively carrying out EPA and want to progress to the Certificate in Vocational Achievement, speak to us about the support available to help you achieve your next qualification.

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If teaching is part of your next step, we can help with that too. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training is a great starting point and does not require you to already be in a teaching role. If you are currently teaching and ready to progress, the Level 4 Certificate in Education could help you develop your confidence, knowledge and professional practice. Get in touch with us to discuss the best qualification for your goals and take the next step in your education and training career.

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