Level Four Assessor Coach Apprenticeship

The assessor coach (AC) role has emerged within the Education and Training Sector (ETS), over the last 30 years, originally as a result of the implementation of vocational (competence-based) qualifications (notably NVQs) and formalised work-based education and training. The AC is a dual professional, using their up-to-date professional knowledge and skills to support vocational and professional development across the formal ETS as well as in any employer setting, and at any level. They may, for example, coach and assess apprentices, trainees or new recruits (ranging from young entrants, to new CEOs) in the workplace, commensurate with their own level of experience and qualifications, as required by their employer or their sector. ACs coach and assess vocational learners, usually on a one-to-one basis, in a range of learning environments. Coaching skills involve complex communication techniques to actively listen, provide feedback and to engage learners in planning their individualised learning programme. These skills are also integral to assessing learners’ competence in-relation to work-related/industry standards and life skills.

ACs work co-operatively with other ETS or professionals (such as teachers, human resource professionals and mentors/supervisors in the workplace) in supporting the learner’s development of vocational competence and the wider skills that relate to employability and professionalism.

• Plan coaching and assessment
• Deliver coaching support
• Effective coaching practice
• Assessing learners
• Support quality improvements
• Effective vocational assessment and ways to support quality improvements

• Observations
• Professional discussion
• Synoptic assessments

Individual employers may set any entry requirements which may include:

(As a dual-professional) - A qualification, at an appropriate level, and relevant up-to-date experience in the candidate’s vocational/subject specialism.

Many candidates will already possess a Level 3 qualification in assessing. Depending on the specific education and training context, employers (and/or awarding organisations) may require candidates without an assessor qualification, to achieve this prior to completion of their apprenticeship.

Candidates may have achieved maths, English and ICT skills at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE Grade 4, or above) prior to commencing their training. Those that have not must achieve this prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Progress onto Higher Education Level 5 and above.