To help support operators improve their technical competence, the Wiser Training Assessment Centre has established a remote WAMITAB assessment program. Due to COVID-19, many operators are now on furlough and are no longer actively working on their site. During this time, these operators can continue to study towards their Level 4 operator competence award. Furthermore, this remote WAMITAB assessment is available to all candidates.
As outlined by the HMRC, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS – also known as “furlough”) allows sites to claim for their operators’ wages. During this time, furloughed operators should not do any work for their company. However, these operators can still train and develop. The HMRC’s stance on this issue is that: “furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training.” There is potential that reduced travel will continue beyond the lockdown period.
To help support operators who are seeking to achieve a WAMITAB Level 4 operator competence award, the Wiser Training Assessment Centre has established a remote assessment program. This assessment program accommodates and fits around the needs of the furloughed operator. Critically, candidates do not need to have access to an operational site in order to achieve their award.
Induction
As with all level 4 assessments, the induction is a key part of the process. The assessor and candidate will meet via a video call and go through the induction documentation together. Here, the assessor will explain the awards structure and their expectations of the candidate. Also at this stage, both parties will agree to timescales and schedule in future remote meetings.
Assessment
The remote WAMITAB assessment program will utilise the various digital conferencing platforms available. These networking tools will allow the candidate to demonstrate their underpinning knowledge from the comfort of their own home. Through a combination of recorded videos and audio, the assessor and candidate will gather evidence that fulfils the assessment criteria. As the furloughed candidate does not have access to a site, any observation-based assessment criteria will be achieved via simulation.
Certification
After the assessor and the candidate have completed their portfolio, the evidence will be sent to a third party for verification. Once verification is successful, the candidate will achieve their level 4 award. The COVID-19 movement restrictions do not have any impact on the certification process. So, candidates will not experience any process-driven delay at this stage.
Preparing for remote WAMITAB assessment
Wiser Training recommends that candidates should prepare for their remote assessment ahead of time. Importantly, they should take some additional time to familiarise themselves with the functionality of their preferred digital conferencing platform. Additionally, candidates should make sure that their hardware – for example, their microphone and webcam – are working correctly.
The Wiser Training Assessment Centre is ready to train and develop operators; improving their technical competence ahead of the industry restarting. For more information contact Wiser Training or call on 01480 462232.
