There's nothing that makes a father prouder, than seeing his son follow in his professional footsteps. Unless of course, it's his daughter. Like father, like ... daughter, and in a watershed moment for the Painting & Decorating Department at City College Coventry, this is exactly what happened when the department conducted their first one day Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA). Collette, daughter of David Thornley, was studying for her Painting & Decorating Level 1 Diploma. David himself, at the same time, came to achieve a Painting & Decorating Level 2 NVQ in one day through the (EWPA) scheme.
(EWPA) - Experienced Worker Practical Assessment is a fast track route available for workers with a minimum of five year's experience who do not need any further training. It involves spending a day having skills and knowledge assessed by an approved assessor.
Michael Aucott, senior assessor commented: "The EWPA route was the most obvious method of assessment for David and three of his colleagues from Daly Painting who desired to turn their skills into an NVQ level 2. This is very different to the time-honoured training that Collette is following for her diploma". EWPA is a significant development for City College Coventry Construction Department because they are now able to offer skilled tradesmen, who have worked in the industry, the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a one day assessment and achieve a recognized qualification.
Collette Thornley, who attends City College twice a week was encouraged to study by her father "I've always enjoyed helping my father with the decorating at home and it's always been my ambition to join the construction industry and work alongside him and follow in his footsteps. When I am at College, my tasks vary from painting ceilings and walls to doors and window frames".
The EWPA practical assessment that David undertook covered all of the skills within the NVQ. Alongside safety procedures and best practice it takes between seven to twelve hours. City College is offering four routes. Brickwork, Plastering, Site Carpentry as well as Painting & Decorating. The assessment is then followed with a professional discussion between the candidate and assessor. This is designed to establish an understanding of the candidate's experience and wider knowledge.
Michael Aucott added: "The thorough assessment is conducted in a very relaxed but professional atmosphere. We try to ensure things are as stress-free as possible so that candidates feel comfortable and have an enjoyable experience."
David and his three colleagues taking part in the landmark assessment were from Daly Painting, a professional Decorating Contractor based in Coventry. Its Managing Director, John Milne, commented that he found "City College very Professional in the assessment arrangements and that it was beneficial to gain the qualification in one day rather than over six months". David Thornley continued by saying "I knew I could do this but did not want to spend six months over it, and it was a relief to achieve. This was quick and easy.” Contracts Manager Dave Moore of Daly's echoed what David was saying "Investing in the workforce and their future provides the clients with confidence in the company and the decorator's with true recognition for their skills."
Michael Aucott went on further to say "There are significant business benefits to having fully qualified workers like David; Managers are confident in the proficiency and professionalism of the tradesmen and it reflects the competency of the company. The public can have confidence in the work being completed quickly, safely, with less time spent correcting mistakes".
Collette is now looking forward to the future: "I know I am bucking the trend but it is a career path I would readily recommend to women. I have received nothing but positive encouragement off the lads at college; they tend to be very supportive simply because I am a bit unique". She admits she had always worked closely with her dad, even when at school and it was a natural thing to go on and share the same career. Which makes Collette like father, like daughter?
Construction Skills have helped over 180,000 workers achieve a vocational qualification though OSAT & EWPA. If you are interested in building a career in construction with On Site Assessment and Training or though The Experienced Worker Practical Assessment, then speak to an advisor about your options.
City College Coventry
Contact: Michael Aucott
E-mail: m.aucott@staff.covcollege.ac.uk
Phone: 024 7679 1642
Courses: 0800 616 202 Email: courses@covcollege.ac.uk
Website: www.covcollege.ac.uk
50 Swanswell Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5DG