NVQ whilst being self employed

[Matt Mason]

hi all!

I’m currently a serving police officer but want to train for a plumbing qualification as a side business and backup option. I also spent a couple of years when I was younger working in a plumbers merchant and have fitted a few bathrooms with my father... so hoping I’ll take to it well and pleaseantly surprised how much I remember about the stuff we used to sell. I’ve done some reasearch on courses to get my employer to agree to a shift swap so I can complete the training whilst working.

The bit I’m questioning is the NVQ practical assessments. My initial thought was to use a few plumber contacts and spend a few days a week offering some help to get through this stage, however I’ve just seen a post on here from 2012 saying you can be self employed, so the work and have it signed off by a qualified plumber to allow it to be used on the portfolio? Is this still true and if so, what are your thoughts? I understand that the theory learning doesn’t make a plumber as very much the same with my day job!

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

[firemant]

I know nothing about NVQs etc, I am from the C&G days.
But BEFORE you spend a penny on a course, find out the rules clearly and in writing. The system is a disgrace, IMO.

In particular, make sure you have a definite agreement with your contacts that they will help.

This and other sites are littered with guys seeking FREE employment to get signed off. Most seem unsuccessful.

 

[Matt Mason]

I know nothing about NVQs etc, I am from the C&G days.
But BEFORE you spend a penny on a course, find out the rules clearly and in writing. The system is a disgrace, IMO.

In particular, make sure you have a definite agreement with your contacts that they will help.

This and other sites are littered with guys seeking FREE employment to get signed off. Most seem unsuccessful.

Thanks for the advice, I too planned on offering my free services to my contacts but I’ve currently got a list to tick off before I can take the leap so i’ll add your points to the top!

Thanks again,

Matt