Wrong level!

[steadysue]

hello all,
Please, can anyone tell me what you do with candidates who have been signed up for a level 3 but are not in the job role, don't have the knowledge or understanding, who do exactly the same job as the level 2s and can't/don't offer any ideas or suggestions as to how they will be able to provide the evidence?  'I've been here a long while' is the usual response as to why. 
I'm pretty good at sorting out easily observed units, like 375, 360 but candidates still need to make their own contribution to provide sufficient, alternative types of evidence.
I'm a great believer in supporting people to get on but if they're having to contrive situations or make special efforts to provide observations for the assessor isn't that simulation? Of my current crop of level 3s only about a third are in the job role.  What it means in reality is a long drawn out process where I will do most of the work and because they haven't made much effort the candidates will learn little - and I sign them off as being competent!?  Yes, till I go out of the door.
Yes, office is aware of problem and it is being addressed but I still have to deal with the current candidates.
Any ideas greatly welcomed
Steadysue

[Aunty Sue]

Hi steadysue,

I agree it isn't a satisfactory situation. Your office needs to be more supportive. Could they get the candidates' managers more involved? They are the ones who can provide support and opportunities for their staff to show that they can work at the appropriate level and they are the ones who will benefit from having their staff qualified.

Part of the requirement for NVQ is that assessors ensure that evidence is valid, authentic and sufficient, a one off simulated performance is not good enough. You need to be vigorous in your assessments to be satisfied that they are competent. Remind your office of this.

I would advise you to record your concerns and work as you know you should. You shouldn't be expected to compromise your standards and allow 'qualified' poor quality workers to care for vulnerable people. 

I hope my reply backs up what you already know and gives you support to keep fighting for the best standards.

Hope that helps

Aunty Sue

[steadysue]

Hi Aunty Sue,
Thanks for reply, reassuring to know I'm not being too picky about level 3 needing to be truly competent.  I know it's hard for training providers to fill contracts but they really need to listen to the people who are delivering the awards a bit more and managers need to acknowledge that for a lot of their staff a level 2 is a really good, appropriate qualification, I mean if they're playing the numbers game does it make any difference what level the award is?
Steadysue