How long do Qualifications last?

[JHKE]

I am trying to work out what I need to get into my chosen area of work. What I need to know is does my GCSEs or GNVQ that I did at college count from 12 years ago? bearing in mind I have not worked in the area relevant to qualification. Do I need to go back to college to gain the qualification again?

As an assessor I would say quals older than 3 years are out of date. I'd perhaps look at doing some up to date relevant quals - maybe computer courses, to show you can still complete formal learning, rather than repeating the qualifications.

Of course you don't need to do your GCSEs again, otherwise we would all be doing them again every few years. Vocational qualifications may be out of date and need a refersher.

Thanks for your advice.. I am just trying to work out my options.. At the moment all I know is I need to do voluntary work, not going to get anywhere without that.. and I know I need 5 GCSEs or equivalent.

You just need to do refreshers - like i'm doing now

I've not seen refresher courses.. what are you doing?

They offer them at my local college.

I'm retraining to become a Legal Executive eventually a solicitor. The course I'm on needed Computer skills, Maths and English.

As i've been out of school for 10yrs, and my last qualifications were in 2004, I needed to retake CLAIT, GCSE Maths, however my English came back great on the skills test you have to do to gain entry.

I want to go into a caring role.. at the moment I am interested in being a occupation therapy assistant..

have you spoken to the local colleges/universitys to see what they have to offer?

what about access courses ? I am starting one this september & went for the interview last week. This is for going to university though.

I have had a look at college courses but the part time courses don't come out till May/ June.

I did look at the access courses but they seem to be more if you want to go to University. At the moment I don't.

Think I will have to see what the part time courses are in May/ June, and maybe put this off a year and just do voluntary work. Just means I will be unlikely to work (paid) for another year..

I'm sure there is an access course which is for caring professions. I would have thought you'd need to do this & then get on a training course ? Have a look at some career advice websites & see what they suggest.

There are 2 Access courses which is at level 3 ( A level), can go 2 routes health care or social care..but I get the impression from the details on the site that this course is designed for mature students to go on to university. At the moment that is not on my plans. I think I need to go and book myself an appointment with careers advice.

Thanks for your help..