Question for 'employers' regarding equivalent qualifications
Question for 'employers' regarding equivalent qualifications
Author
Discussion

LiamM45

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

209 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
Hello,

This is primarily aimed at people on here who employ staff or deal with job applications.

To cut a long story short, in my infinite wisdom in my latter years of secondary school I failed my Maths GCSE, getting a D grade. I've subsequently gone on to a full time job and I have done various NVQ's in Admin and most recently IT. I currently have a relatively secure job in the public sector with a humble salary (£20k p/a). In my current line of work there is no career progression and I need a fresh start in another line of work.

I am looking towards a career in the Merchant Navy, which requires applicants to have GCSE grades A-C in Maths and English I believe, this is so I can go on to do a HNC/HND.

I am told by my NVQ assessor, that the 'key skills' qualifications I have received in Maths and English as part of my NVQ are equivalent to A-C GCSE grades.

The question is, if I apply to employers, are they going to even accept these qualifications? Will these be looked down upon? I'm considering just re-sitting my GCSE's even if it is 10 years since I did them!

Thank you for any advice.

STW2010

5,918 posts

191 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
I would have thought that your highest qualifications would be sufficient. Basically, if you had 3x A levels then you would surely be eligible regardless of the fact your maths GCSE is below the required C grade.

rog007

5,829 posts

253 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
Most good employers will outline their requirements and will state equivalents where applicable. If it's not obvious, you need to put your question to the employer concerned. Good luck!

LiamM45

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

209 months

Monday 20th January 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies.

I think I'll make some enquiries with the colleges regarding the entry requirements. If they say it's ok, then I suppose it's just convincing the employers that I'm capable when looking for a placement. I'm hoping they'll look past maybe slightly iffy entry qualifications and look more at my work history in a respectable and responsible role (I'm a Police civvy, responsible for over 50,000 exhibits!) and see that hopefully I'm someone they would like to employ!

I think because the roles seem to be aimed towards school leavers, they only mention GCSE's on websites... Could be wrong!