VTCT
We are proud to be an approved assessment centre by the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) which is a Government approved Awarding Body offering National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and other Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs). Regulated by QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) It has been in existence in one form or another for over forty years and as one of the largest providers of qualifications in massage, aromatherapy and reflexology it has been at the forefront of developing the vocational system of qualifications in the United Kingdom. Remaining specialised in the areas of Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing, Holistic & Complementary Therapies and Sports & Fitness has enabled this charity to gain an experienced team. A recent survey has found that more than two thirds of British people believe that complementary therapies can be as valid as conventional treatment and it is estimated that in Britain £130 million a year is spent on alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and reflexology and that is expected to rise by £70 million over the next four years. This is evidence that this sector of the market is growing rapidly and new qualifications for skills such as Reiki, Holistic Colour Therapy and Holistic Crystal Therapy have been added.
Professional Qualifications
VTCT professional qualifications are achieved when students become competent in the completion of modules following criteria set by VTCT and recording competencies in their Record of Assessment Books provided upon registration. Students work through the comprehensive learning materials, complete their portfolio and case studies, in addition to practical and theoretical assessments carried out at our centre. In addition to all practical skills provided at the centre, students will be expected to complete homestudy assignments, returning to the centre after their case studies and portfolio have been completed. Successful completion of all the necessary requirements will achieve an internationally recognised qualification, IIHHT, IIST, IHBC and NVQ through the awarding body VTCT which enables students to gain internationally recognised insurance cover. After successful completion of a course, students will also have the opportunity to join industry regulated associations such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and the Guild of Holistic Therapists (GHT).
All VTCT courses include the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Health, Safety, Security and Employment Standards. This course is a mandatory part of all VTCT Holistic and Sports Therapy courses. If however you have already completed this course in the last 3 years you will not have to complete this again providing evidence can be shown. There is an additional fee for this qualification of £16 for VTCT registration and certification.
Registration and Fees
Current fees for the VTCT professional training courses we offer can be found here. For students to be registered with the VTCT and gain VTCT qualifications there is a one-off lifetime VTCT registration fee of £15. It is recommended that you forward your booking form, deposit and necessary fees as soon as possible before the commencement of your chosen course in order for us to register you with VTCT and receive your Record of Assessment Book in plenty of time.
Assessment and Verification
All VTCT qualifications are competence based and it is necessary to achieve 100% competence. This gives clients and employers the confidence that you can safely and effectively apply the skills covered by your qualifications. Because VTCT International qualifications are based primarily upon practical performance they use a system in which you are assessed against the requirements as laid down by the Awarding Body. If you take a formal assessment and the Assessor believes you are not yet competent, you will be told what it is you have to do and advised how to do it before re-assessment.
Assessment days are allocated throughout the year to allow students time at complete their case studies and their Portfolio of Evidence.
Verification is the process used by VTCT to check that the assessments have been undertaken properly and in accordance with their requirements. It is only when the Internal and External Verifier are satisfied that all the proper procedures have been undertaken, that a certificate can be issued.
Case Studies
Case studies are required to be undertaken after the practical training for VTCT qualifications at
the centre. Upon completion case studies should be submitted as part of the Portfolio of Evidence which is marked and assessed.
Portfolio of Evidence
The Portfolio and Record of Assessment Book will contain the supporting material for use by our Assessor and Verifier to confirm that items related to ranges, theoretical knowledge, recorded practical competences and tests have been
covered and are placed into the Portfolio of Evidence and recorded in the Record of Assessment book by the student as
evidence of work completed. Your Tutor will instruct you on how the portfolio should be prepared and constructed.
Record of Assessment Book
Upon registration students will receive their Record of Assessment Book, which records all related theory
work, ranges and practical competencies.
Insurance
VTCT offers insurance for students undertaking case studies and for qualified therapists through their company Vocasure Limited. You can apply online at www.stuartalexander.co.uk/apply.cfm or find out more here.
For further information about VTCT click here to visit their website. We recommend that all students due to commence a VTCT Certificate or Diploma course download the VTCT Candidates Handbook which can be found here.