RE: wot no level 3!
by: timmylums - 05-05-08 12:14
Hi confused! I have a friend who has been put in a similar situation she was told that she was overqualified for a job as an early years practitioner, requiring an NVQ level 2/3. She has a degree in Early Yrs Education (level6) and was told she was lacking in experience and was avised to go to an agency and do some supply work. The agency were more than eager to take her on but only agreed to pay her as unqualified because they were unsure that her degree consisted of enough practical work. After consulting with her tutor she was assured that as her degree inclued a compulsory placement she was more than qualified to be classed as an ear;y years practitioner, as she is now doing her EYPS she will soon be more qualified than most. I can undestand how you feel as it is a minefield as there are so many different courses and all cover different things. Sometimes you feel that you have wasted your time aiming higher but personally I think it is better to have these higher qualifications as you never know when they will be required and you may not be in a position to return to study.
RE: RE: wot no level 3! - 05-05-08 16:51
by: confused
Hi timmylums Thanks for your reply. I wonder how many other people are in the same boat. I understand that having a HNC means you are good at writing essays! but not necessary good with the practical side. Unfortunately, unlike your friend's course though the HNC does not include a compulsory placement. Although I have been working part time in a nursery for the last two years, so do have experience to go along with my qualification but unfortunatley on the HNC we do not get assessed in the workplace.
I am now considering going back to college in September to do a level 3 but as I didn't enjoy the NVQ I'm thinking about doing a BTEC. However, the college are saying I might not get funding as I have a level 4! Which I don't think is very fair considering the college put me on the level 4 without warning me that I would need a level 3 in the first place.
I think it is disgusting that your friend was only paid unqualified salary even though she had a degree. I have been told that someone with a degree can become a teacher without having to do a level2 or 3. I wonder how that one works?
