Become a Qualification Creator
In the UK, most of us complete our first qualification at an early age for example GCSEs or A-Levels. Most students don't consider when or how these formal qualifications are created, they put faith in the Awarding Organisation and the regulators such as Ofqual that the qualifications meet their needs. However, each Awarding Organisation will have a different approach to qualification design and development, following a detailed process for their creation.
At iPET Network we look for Collaborators, Creators and Consultants to support our qualification design process. The people we work with come from all different backgrounds and bring their experience and expertise around the subject area.
Collaborators
Being a Collaborator may overlap with the other roles of Creators and Consultants but essentially the Collaborator is usually the person who identifies a need for a qualification and brings it to the iPET Network team to start the design and development process. For example, Lisa Hannaby is well known in the Canine Nutrition sector for her work in the food industry and study around the subject area. She identified that there was demand for a Level 3 regulated qualification for Canine Nutrition and wanted to work with iPET Network in producing this. iPET Network followed the process and introduced Lisa to Jackie Byrne and they acted as Collaborators and Creators of the qualification.
Although no payment is available for Collaborators there are some distinct benefits. Once launched, the qualification maybe offered by a Collaborator who become a Training Provider with iPET Network. Therefore, Collaborators may drive a commercially in demand qualification and generate business for themselves.
Creators
Creators of qualifications usually have a writing background are able to create outcomes, criteria and resources that are appropriate for the qualification being made. Depending on the subject area the Creator could be a part of the iPET Network team but sometimes is an external person or organisation. iPET Network can agree a contract and payment package for Creators that hold skills outside of our knowledge areas but this is agreed on an individual basis supported by a business plan of the qualification's expected return. Again, Creators can benefit from a qualification being published by becoming a Training Provider and marketing their involvement in the qualification development.
Consultants
Consultants form a vital part of the design and development and ensure the qualification created is rounded, suitable and correct. They provide feedback on all or parts of the qualification to allow further development from the Creators and give points for note to the iPET Network team regarding the industry area being covered. Consultants can be from a wider range of areas including those from an education background who can scrutinise the qualification and it's suitability. Consultants also form part of the final sign off of a qualification. Again, no payment is available for this role but often a Consultants driving force is the desire to improve and have education that supports an area they care about for example; a recent Consultant for iPET Network Level 2 Award in Protecting Human and Animals in Today's Society - Qualification Number 603/7903/0 was Jan Hughes from Care for The Paw, a charity that supports homeless people and their pets living on the streets of Liverpool. Jan's feedback has enabled a qualification to be designed that will encourage animal professionals to support vulnerable people in our society and the ethos aligns with that of her charity. There is also the opportunity for commercial development with Consultants becoming Training Providers who can sell and deliver the course.
iPET Network is clear in it's mission to be the Awarding Organisation of choice for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector and successful qualification development is key to this.
If you feel you have the skills, ideas and drive to work with us in creating new and exciting qualifications, email us at info@ipetnetwork.co.uk.