29th July 2008, 03:04 PM
I'm still having trouble with a couple of points. Kathryn says "Applicants with a level 3 NVQ can apply for membership at PIFA level without having to submit a portfolio of work with their application because they will have already submitted a much larger portfolio of work to their NVQ assessor which tests the same areas."
However, a portfolio of work does not have to submitted with an application at PIFA level (although 'applicants are encouraged to do so').
What does 'fast track' mean? I don't see any speeding up of the application process (or any real need to do so) other than an applicant not having to bundle up a portfolio.
I notice that all reference to a degree or other qualification seems to have been removed, as has any minumum length of time. Fine, this may or may not be essential for a digger, but if we are trying to 'professionalize' archaeological practice and improve its perception, particularly by other professions, this is hardly the way to go about it.
The reference to the RICS is telling and perhaps an og. NVQs do not give access to the RICS or professional status. The RICS, like some other professions (e.g. accountancy, architecture, engineering, dentistry) etc), recognises a two tier status level: the full professional, and the technician. NVQs as I understand it give access to 'technical' membership (not full) membership of the RICS and does not permit the use of the letters RICS after your name. You can't call yourself a Social Worker incidentally without a degree or the diplpoma:NVQs are not enough.
Are we working towards a two tier approach in archaeology, with the career digger as a technician?
However, a portfolio of work does not have to submitted with an application at PIFA level (although 'applicants are encouraged to do so').
What does 'fast track' mean? I don't see any speeding up of the application process (or any real need to do so) other than an applicant not having to bundle up a portfolio.
I notice that all reference to a degree or other qualification seems to have been removed, as has any minumum length of time. Fine, this may or may not be essential for a digger, but if we are trying to 'professionalize' archaeological practice and improve its perception, particularly by other professions, this is hardly the way to go about it.
The reference to the RICS is telling and perhaps an og. NVQs do not give access to the RICS or professional status. The RICS, like some other professions (e.g. accountancy, architecture, engineering, dentistry) etc), recognises a two tier status level: the full professional, and the technician. NVQs as I understand it give access to 'technical' membership (not full) membership of the RICS and does not permit the use of the letters RICS after your name. You can't call yourself a Social Worker incidentally without a degree or the diplpoma:NVQs are not enough.
Are we working towards a two tier approach in archaeology, with the career digger as a technician?