Meet the team: Andy Tait
Tell us a bit about your role – what do you do and who do you work with?
My role is very much focused on quality assurance. I support centres to develop and implement robust assessment processes so that learners can achieve their qualifications. Another aspect of my role is developing qualification assessment strategies and supporting processes to ensure we remain compliant with our regulatory requirements.
In addition to my quality role, I work as an account manager and support the centres in the use of iLearner, as well as identifying and developing additional ways in which centres and iCQ Awards can work together.
Tell us a bit about you – when did you start with iCQ Awards, what was your previous experience?
I have worked with iCQ for about 12 years now. Originally, I came on as an External Quality Assurer (EQA) and account manager. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to do some End-Point Assessment (EPA) work, as well as qualification and assessment development. I have worked in the further education and skills development sector for around 15 years now, but I started my career in hospitality working in both back of house and front of house roles.
What do you like most about working in the education/qualifications/EPA sector?
I love the variety – no two days are the same! The sector is fast moving, and I love the challenge which the sector provides. Education is continuously developing and I enjoy the innovation which is taking place at present. The learner population is developing and evolving, and awarding organisations need to follow suit to ensure qualifications are still accessible, reliable and beneficial for the workforce.
Tell us about a time or some of your experiences where you have seen the impact that qualifications or apprenticeships have made for individual learners?
One of the best things about working in vocational education is seeing learners or apprentices, who have perhaps struggled in mainstream education, thrive in a career which they love. There are so many examples and ‘good news’ stories which I have had the privilege of being involved in over the years, but they so often that it’s impossible for me to highlight just one.
