New IFA membership procedure & updated Handbook

[trowelfodder]

Sorry hosty - having got over initial shock am feeling a little more constructive now.

I see that the problem with this scheme is that it does not address the problem it seems to have been set up to solve. The problem is what experience the IFA considers suitable for the higher membership levels, experience that is often very hit and miss due to the lack of training in archaeology. The NVQ is aimed to give wider work based experience to people wishing to pursue an archaeological career but how viable is this in reality.

In the first instance the price tag is prohibitive on an archaeologists salary. In the second how widely can this practically opperate? Im sure that there are huge numbers of graduates and diggers who would love to have a chance to gain wider experience but how many units can realisticaly support this?

And so why should only those who can afford placements be able to further thier careers? The standards of an NVQ 3 is two a levels so it seems ridiculous to have to step backwards after a degree or MA, and what would be the qualifications needed to get on the scheme - how much practical field based experience would indivduals have to have? All seems a bit arse about face to me.

[Windbag]

NVQs also don't cover the Scottish education system.

[historic building]

That document is concerned with the assessors not the course itself.

[vulpes]

Sorry to interrupt the general kicking of the IFA, but thought this IFA / HEA document was pretty interesting and relevant: http://www.scribd.com/doc/523892/Employa...lum-Design See they do have their usesB)

In reply to Windbag - it's not difficult to change the N to an S.[:p]

[BAJR Host]

Robust debate vulpes, Robust debate...

I don't see any great IFA kicking, rather if the statement is to stand, it has to stand up to questions from the very people who are affected by it.

I am glad that you found the document on BAJRs scribd site... I felt it would be good to have it seen by as many as possible... and yes it is a good document...

My interest is in why the fast tracking? what is special?
and why the large cost? How will it work for people in 4 week employment patterns? How many companies have signed into this scheme? How many people have done it? How many accessors are there? Where to get this NVQ?
etc...

Any answers to them would be welcome... as these are critical to people actually going for them. Ease of access to this information should come first.

I am pretty sure that the NVQ has been around for a while... but nobody has numbers for who has one yet? and takers? [hm]


"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[BAJR Host]

http://www.axiainteractive.net/docs/070400_PR_IFA.pdf

[:0]

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[achingknees]

quote:Originally posted by Mattymooface

Which companies would employ people even at digger level with out a degree?

er, we do! Five, four from MSC days and another one we smuggled in since! Some could easily be MIFA level but can't afford the subscription!

[Digger]

Soooo Mr Hosty, If I get this right- If I bothered to rejoin the IFA, Instead of filling in the forms I just text them the information? Various photos of say holding a mattock or pushing a wheelbarrow (to demonstrate technical competence) Instaed of sending in reports should I just take a photo of the front cover with my phone and send that? Or could I just mime my application or display my competence through interpretive dance......

I heard that the problem with archaeology NVQ is the cost benefit ratio to a unit offering the system is not good. Unsure who will provide the professional training and funding.

[BAJR Host]

Full steam ahead........ :face-thinks:




"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers

[BAJR Host]

Image taken on my mobile phone...

Gained: NVQ module in site management and artefact acquisition



Can I be a MIFA again please?

"I don't have an archaeological imagination.."
Borekickers