BEST (Building Engineering Services Training), the training subsidiary of the HVCA, has launched the BEST assessment centre, which will initially work with three colleges in the north west of England. BEST has achieved awarding body approval to offer NVQs two and three in Heating & Ventilation (H&V) Industrial/Commercial, H&V Domestic and H&V Service and Maintenance.
Pilot schemes will begin at Liverpool Community College, MANCAT (Manchester College of Arts and Technology) and Salford College, where the above NVQs will be delivered to BEST managed apprentices.
John Evans, Assessment Centre Manager for BEST, said: “We will be working very closely with employers and colleges to ensure the BEST assessment centre is a beneficial success. The assessment centre, and national assessor network, will enhance BEST’s ability to provide learners with quality training, encouragement and support.”
The programme is scheduled for review in spring 2007, with phased expansion of assessment services proposed to take place over the following year. Full implementation for all regions and training disciplines will be completed for the 2007/2008 academic year.
In parallel to this, BEST is also encouraging existing operatives to achieve NVQ qualifications by offering free A1 training for technically competent workers in the industry. This will be provided through the BEST assessment centre and delivered on a seconded basis through the BEST national assessor network.