BPA FOCUS SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Updating qualifications W
IN THIS MONTH’S SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS COLUMN, AMANDA THOMAS TAKES STOCK OF WHAT IS ON OFFER IN THE SECTOR
ith an ever- changing landscape, we
thought it was time to give you an update on the details of available qualifications within the industry. Largely, the qualifications
available are aimed at the operational roles in the sector, but we are working towards addressing gaps at the top end. Parking managers can look forward to long-awaited support for supervisors and team leaders. But, for now, the following are the key qualifications to look out for:
Level 2 Award for Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs)
Initially launched in 2005, and reviewed in 2008 in line with the Traffic Management Act, this has proved a very necessary qualification for all
employees looking to enter the sector in this role. Key facts: l Provides an excellent knowledge base for people
working in civil enforcement; l Provides an understanding of conflict
management; l Is used as an induction, and most CEO’s will now have achieved the qualification before heading out
onto the street; and l Is assessed by a multiple-choice exam, making it more accessible and less daunting to those who haven’t studied for a while.
Level 3 Award for Notice Processors Tis qualification launched early this year, and has been subject to lots of recent publicity. However, it is long-awaited and is expected to be a huge success
www.britishparking.co.uk
among employers and employees alike. Key facts: l Te first unit of this qualification provides
underpinning knowledge of notice-processing and information management within our sector, while the second unit specialises in activities relevant to
either public or private sector enforcement; and l Assessment is by two multiple-choice examinations, both taken online.
Level 2 Award for Vehicle Immobilisers Tis provides underpinning knowledge for those looking to work in immobilisation. Tis qualification is essential for gaining the licence of practice
required by law for private sector immobilisers. Key facts: l Te qualification ensures all immobilisers work
to best practice and covers elements like behaviour and customer skills – as well as the more technical elements regarding devices and their application, the records required, and the practices and procedures
which should be followed; l It is delivered in a primarily classroom environment, and assessed by multiple choice
examination; and l It enables operatives to apply for their licence to practice, raising the standards across the profession.
NVQ Level 2 in Controlling Parking Areas Whereas the previous two qualifications provide underpinning knowledge and are therefore ideal for those new to the sector, the NVQ in controlling parking areas approaches parking skill by developing and recognising competence in
real work situations. Key facts: l Te qualification has a choice of specialisms,
making it ideal for a range of operational roles in parking, including car park attendants, CCTV enforcement, vehicle immobilisation and removal
and civil enforcement; l It is studied through the development of portfolios and at work assessments, meaning time away from
the workplace is minimal; l It supports learning through recognising existing
achievements; and l Tere is no examination.
MORE INFORMATION We recommend that you contact your local learning provider for more details on these qualifications. Colleges and training companies specialising in parking can be found on the City and Guilds website:
www.city&
guilds.com or the Edexcel website:
www.edexcel.com.
AUGUST 2010 23
© BEN WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56