I have no G.C.S.E's can i still join if i have an NVQ level 3?

[lauren1282]

Hi,

Im looking to go in to the RAF as Personal Support but i am unsure if i am properly qualified. When i went to the recruitment center the guy said that because i dont have any GCSEs i will have to take key skills level 3 in English & Maths to be eligible to join.

I have looked at the requirements on their website and it states that an NVQ 3 is equivalent to 2/3 GCSC at A-C.

So i;m a bit confused because i would have thought that having the NVQ would mean i could apply to join??

I'm really keen to get this cleared up as they are recruiting for that trade at the moment and as i am 30, i want to get things moving so they dont lower the age limit!!!

 

[Harry B'Stard]

I'm not a specialist in the area of recruitment so take everything I say with a pinch of salt.

From what I can remember it will depend upon what your NVQ is in as to what trades you will be eligible for. An NVQ in horse management might not be the best thing for an Adminer!

I'm sure I've seen another thread in the recruitment area of this site that talks about the 'Key Skills' packages and you may find some help in those threads. Try putting 'Key Skills' into the search bar... it will take you there!

Hopefully there will be someone from the recruiting side of things along soon to give you some better info! DT_Xtremez_28:

Whilst I'm at it... welcome to the goat!

HTB

 

[riggrrrr]

I joined with a GCSE 'D' in maths. The required standard was 'C' or above. However, I also had an NVQ 3 and a HNC in engineering which included higher level maths so the AFCO looked past the lack of GCSE (with a lot of annoying umm-ing and ahh-ing I must say....) and allowed me in.

I suppose it depends if they really want slots filled in your chosen trade and on your aptitude test scores.

 

[The Masked Geek]

I joined with a GCSE 'D' in maths.

I had a D in English but creamed the aptitude tests....... It all depends on the day I suppose.

 

[Soon To Leave]

I had a D in English but creamed the aptitude tests....... It all depends on the day I suppose.[/QUOT

No wonder you failed your GCSE; there is no D in 'English'.


Seriously though, I would have thought, at your age, you would be treated as a 'mature' applicant and what you've done since leaving school wouold be more relevant.

Good luck with your application.

 

[Warwick Hunt]

Hi,

Im looking to go in to the RAF as Personal Support but i am unsure if i am properly qualified. When i went to the recruitment center the guy said that because i dont have any GCSEs i will have to take key skills level 3 in English & Maths to be eligible to join.

I have looked at the requirements on their website and it states that an NVQ 3 is equivalent to 2/3 GCSC at A-C.

So i;m a bit confused because i would have thought that having the NVQ would mean i could apply to join??

I'm really keen to get this cleared up as they are recruiting for that trade at the moment and as i am 30, i want to get things moving so they dont lower the age limit!!!

What is your NVQ in? If it's in a Pers Spt-related subject (Business & Admin for example) you can use it IN ADDITION to the GCSE requirement. Don't get too hung up on educational equivalencies as the RAF need to see that you have the ability to read, write and count - NVQs are VOCATIONAL qualifications in that you gained that qual through experience in work. It doesn't mean that you know your alphabet, can string a sentence together or know your times tables. The RAF want to know you have a basic standard of education and the GCSE grade C in English Language and Maths is what they have deemed to be the basic educational requirement for Pers Spt. If you don't have the GCSEs, then you will need to sit the Key Skills assessments.

 

[lauren1282]

Thanks for your replies!

Well, my NVQ is in supply chain management but i'm not looking to go in to Logistics. I want to join as Admin/Pers. I have been a PA for the last 5 years so i am used to doing that sort of role! Im happy to do the key skills if i need to but i find it a bit confusing as to why on thier website they have NVQs as an equivalent if they dont seem to accept them?!?

When i saw the guy at the recruitment center all he said was as i have no GCSEs i HAVE to get key skills level 3 before they wil even start to consider me. He never even asked what my NVQ was in! I thought that the assesment tests counted towards what trade you can enter?

Also, if i need to do my key skills 3 where can i take them?

 

[MontyPlumbs]

Thanks for your replies!

Well, my NVQ is in supply chain management but i'm not looking to go in to Logistics. I want to join as Admin/Pers. I have been a PA for the last 5 years so i am used to doing that sort of role! Im happy to do the key skills if i need to but i find it a bit confusing as to why on thier website they have NVQs as an equivalent if they dont seem to accept them?!?

When i saw the guy at the recruitment center all he said was as i have no GCSEs i HAVE to get key skills level 3 before they wil even start to consider me. He never even asked what my NVQ was in! I thought that the assesment tests counted towards what trade you can enter?

Also, if i need to do my key skills 3 where can i take them?

Put it this way, basic Mathematical and English skills are a prerequisite for a career in HR, how can you check peoples assessments for spelling/grammar or deal with peoples pay if you cannot demonstrate a basic level of achievement in these subjects yourself?

Unfortunately the RAF doesn't actually care much for your previous experience as the training courses are designed to take someone off the street and train them (although you may find some of it easier if you have experience).

One thing you will also find is that the qualification requirements are very rigid, I was forced to take Key Skills Level 2, despite holding a BTEC HNC in Engineering, because the HNC wasn't 'recognised' by the training school!

My advice is to do an online GCSE in Maths and English, it's a recognised benchmark qualification that will show you have achieved the basic level in these subjects. That's what I would do. Learn Direct offer these courses I believe.

However, Key Skills Level 2 or 3 (Level 2 is GCSE level, level 3 is A level) may suffice, but I would confirm (in writing if possible) with the AFCO prior to undertaking anything further as you don't want to be left disappointed.

 

[lauren1282]

It's a bit of a shame they they don't take in to account the experience that you have gained by working as on their website they make a point of saying that they welcome applicants that are already in work.

Quote from their website:

'If you’re looking to transfer specialist skills you already have, then we can offer you unique training opportunities and the chance to gain experiences unlike anything you’ll find in a civilian career'

BUT if they want key skills then that's they will get! I am going to talk to the AFCO and find out the exact requirements for the job, then go and get them.

 

[True Blue Jack]

BUT if they want key skills then that's they will get! I am going to talk to the AFCO and find out the exact requirements for the job, then go and get them.

Good for you!

 

[Ash92x]

Hi,

Just to let you know that it must be key skills level 3 in numeracy/literacy for equivalent GCSE C grades in the eyes of the RAF (even though civ class level 2 as equivalent to GCSE C) I have recently enquired about this as having a D in maths is limiting my options.

Learn direct do not offer the level 3 course unfortunately

Dear Ash,

Thank you for your enquiry regarding Numeracy Level 3. I hope the following information will be helpful.

Unfortunately, the course you are looking for is not offered by learndirect. Therefore, may I suggest that you contact the National Careers Service impartial advice line on 0800 100 900 as they will be able to assist you further. You may also wish to look at their website at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

In the meantime, should you wish to view the courses learndirect currently offer, please click the link below:

www.learndirect.co.uk/browse/

Alternately, should you wish to search for a course using our search facility, please visit:

· www.learndirect.co.uk/browse/searchcourse/



Ash

 

[bubb2709]

hi mate

you will find your level 3 nvq is worth more than gcse's, have a look at this from the ofqual website.

http://www2.ofqual.gov.uk/qualifications-assessments/89-articles/250-explaining-the-national-qualifications-framework