The course will incorporate a wide range of interactive training tools including ice breakers, DVD's, visual presentations, group work, individual tasks, problem based learning and exercises with a strong emphasis on practical application throughout. This course is extremely interactive, providing participants with the opportunity to prepare and practice their skills demonstration. All participants will receive a comprehensive Manual and training will be delivered on a ratio of no more than 12 participants to each instructor.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The FETAC Level 6 award is available to current instructors through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Process. Instructors who want to go through this process will have to submit an application along with supporting documentation (portfolio) showing evidence that the learner has prior learning and experience relevant to manual handling instruction and has met all the learning outcomes required in component specification. The submission will be assessed against the manual handling instruction component specification. If successful the learner will attend an assessment day and complete the required assessments (Examination, Skills demonstrations) as outlined in the component specification. The learner will then receive a FETAC Level 6 Certificate in Manual Handling Instruction. The RPL process is most suited to instructors who have recently completed and manual handling instructor's course or refresher course and are regularly delivering manual handling training courses.

Equality, Access, Transfer and Progression

Places are open to all people and assigned to participants on a first come basis, if a course is full then extra courses will be scheduled if there is sufficient demand. Nifast endeavours at all times to ensure equality in our service provision. We therefore would ask any learner with specific learning requirements to contact the local Nifast office in advance of any course and we will ensure that all possible measures are taken so that you enjoy a valuable learning experience with Nifast. English is the language in which training is delivered and participants must have a good command of the English language. If participants wish to bring an interpreter they may do so but prior notice must be given to Nifast.

This Certificate may provide transfer to other awards at Level 6 and progression to awards at Level 7 in the Nation Framework of Qualifications.

Pre-Course Requirements: FETAC Level 5 Certificate and/or relevant life and work experiences and/or leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications.

FETAC Assessment/Certification: Participants are required to complete an assignment, examination and make skills demonstration as indicated below. The fair and consistent assessment of learners is paramount to Nifast and is implemented through our QA system. All assessments are carried out in accordance with FETAC regulations and are internally verified and externally authenticated before certification is issued. All participants have the right to appeal their result and all appeals will be dealt with in accordance with the Nifast FETAC appeals procedure. All participants who successfully complete the written examinations and practical assignments will be awarded with a FETAC level 6 Special Purpose Manual Handling Instruction certificate and the appropriate credits under the national framework of qualifications will then be obtained by the learner. Participants will be given clear guidelines on how the assignment should be completed. The skills demonstration element will be completed and assessed during the course.

Summary of Assessments

Skills Demonstration 60%

Examination (Theory Based) 20%

Assignment 20% (to be completed in learners' own time)

Skills Demonstration

In the skills demonstration, candidates will be assessed in skills (based in Units 4, 5 & 6) in the following areas:

• Carry out a range of manual handling techniques and apply to manual handling tasks.
• Analyse learner's performance of manual handling techniques.
• Give effective instruction in practical manual handling.
• Deliver effective presentation.

Candidates should demonstrate the skills with due care and attention. A checklist will be used to assess the above range of skills.

Examination

This is a theory based examination of approximately 90 minutes duration that assesses the candidate's ability to recall and apply theory and understanding of components from units 1, 2 & 3, requiring responses to a arrange of short answer questions. The learner must achieve at least 16 correct answers to pass the assessment. Candidates will be required to complete the exam in writing or orally.

Assignment

Each candidate must present an assignment which demonstrates their understanding of unit 3 and ability to carry out a manual handling risk assessment, discuss a case study or devise a lesson plan. The assignment should identify theoretical understanding and practical application on a range of specific learning outcomes in unit 3. The assignment must be presented in written or type format.

The brief will require the learner to present information in relation to above mentioned areas. The assignment will be given to the delegates at the end of the course and must be submitted 2 weeks following course completion.