Frequently Asked Questions by Refuse/Recycling Collectors and Street Cleaners

What are these NVQs?
Qualifications written by people from the waste industry. They are designed to be achieved at work, by demonstrating that you can do the things that are in the NVQ standards and by showing that you know why you do things in the way you have been shown.

Who will assess me?
A specially trained assessor who has considerable experience in the waste industry and who has helped many others achieve these qualifications.

Do I have to go to college?
No, the assessments will be all carried out at work, mostly as you do your daily job.

Do I have to do any writing?
A very small amount, mainly signing your name and definitely no tests! You may be asked to give some very short answers to some questions about how you do your job.

My writing skills aren’t very good
No problem. Someone will help without causing you any embarrassment.

How does the assessment work?
Each NVQ is made up of 6 or 7 units. Each unit is a part of your daily job, e.g. Health and Safety and Working as a Team. The assessor has to see you doing the things listed in the units, tick them off on a checklist and as proof that you did them they will also take some photographs. The assessor will also ask you some very simple questions about why you do things in the way that you do. The assessor will put all of these together into a folder or portfolio which will be yours to keep after the assessment.

Will I fail?
You don’t fail an NVQ…. you might not pass if you refuse to cooperate with the assessor, but you will not be marked down as a failure. The assessor carries on assessing until you have covered all of the things in the NVQ

How will I know what is in the NVQ?
The whole process will be explained to you at the start and you will have your own Individual Learning Plan which shows your progress.

What if I can’t read and write?
The assessor will help and record everything for you. Many employers, with the Government’s help, are arranging for employees to be given help with Basic Skills at work. Talk to your employer or assessor.

What do I get at the end?
You will get two certificates, one for the NVQ and the other is a Certificate of Competence (CoC)

Do I have to do it?
No, but you are the one that benefits – the qualifications is yours.

Why should I bother?
Why not? You have the chance to gain a nationally recognised qualification that recognises the skills and knowledge that you have acquired whilst doing your job. You might need it one day!

Top of page