Angela Beecham perfectly explains the situation of many experienced practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding, along with practice skills born from years of hard-won experience, but have found themselves with a qualification regarded as needing updating. One incorrect comment that may cause concern and confusion is that taking the APEL route results in a qualification that is valid for only three years. The new APEL route provides a qualification equivalent in standing and recognition to any other Level 3 qualification. There is no time limit on its validity. It is designed to meet precisely the needs of practitioners such as your correspondent and can be completed quickly and without the time commitment of other qualifications where experience is not taken into account.
Angela Beecham perfectly explains the situation of many experienced practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding, along with practice skills born from years of hard-won experience, but have found themselves with a qualification regarded as needing updating.
One incorrect comment that may cause concern and confusion is that taking the APEL route results in a qualification that is valid for only three years. The new APEL route provides a qualification equivalent in standing and recognition to any other Level 3 qualification. There is no time limit on its validity. It is designed to meet precisely the needs of practitioners such as your correspondent and can be completed quickly and without the time commitment of other qualifications where experience is not taken into account.
The resulting qualification, which is accredited on the National Qualifications Framework and recognised by Ofsted, will provide evidence of the currency and quality of the experience of those achieving it.
Yvonne Nolan and Maureen Smith
Duo Consulting, the Wirral
