VCA instructor (VCA instructeur)
Information on this skill...
A VCA instructor is an instructor who gives courses and / or training to people who perform professional work that can be classified as potentially risky. VCA stands for Safety, Health and Environment Cheklist Contractors. However, VCA does not only relate to construction but to all sectors in which there are potentially dangerous working conditions. A VCA diploma is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is advisable. Most employers or intermediaries nowadays require that employees have the VCA diploma. There are different types of VCA courses and training, which can differ in content, depending on the industry and the function that someone performs. VCA can be briefly described as preventing accidents by working safely. Safe working relates to the general safety and health of workers, including environmental control during work. In short, we can most easily describe the work of a VCA instructor as reducing accidents in the workplace by making students aware of possible dangers and health risks in the workplace. A VCA instructor is therefore an educational employee, who will teach various craftsmen with regard to safety, health and the environment. As described earlier, VCA is now an important part of various professions and branches. Think, for example, of horticulture, petrochemicals and the installation sector. In most cases, employers will require that employees have a VCA certification, because otherwise employees are not allowed to work in the workplace. Following a VCA course is therefore not only useful but in many cases also necessary.
A VCA instructor is therefore an educational employee, who can also be regarded as an instructor. The main reason that employees must have a VCA certificate is that employees can demonstrate that they have knowledge of all safety standards and safety measures, which will reduce the risk of industrial accidents. In order to receive the VCA certificate, an exam will also have to be taken. A VCA course is an extensive course, which can take one or more days depending on the type of course. Within the courses, various aspects are covered, which usually relate to working conditions and safety. Think of the Working Conditions Act, personal protective equipment, acting in the event of calamities, gaining insight and dealing with hazardous substances. In addition, working safely at height usually plays an important role, depending on the target group. Think, for example, of various construction workers, who regularly have to use a construction scaffolding. Working safely at height has a lot of attention within the construction sector nowadays.
FOR WHOM IS VCA IMPORTANT
VCA is important for all employees and companies that carry out work that entails an increased risk. This relates not only to working conditions but also to the working environment itself. Think, for example, of foresters, contractors, factories, process operators, installers and asbestos abatement companies. These are all examples of professions that may have to deal with dangerous working conditions and/or working environments. This also applies to potential temporary workers or trainees who work for an employer. Within a VCA-certified company, all employees must have at least a VCA basic certificate.
IS VCA MANDATORY
It is not the case that a VCA certificate is legally required. It is true that more and more employers are asking for the VCA certificate. Without the VCA certificate, it is therefore possible that you will not be hired for certain assignments. The main reason that employers ask for the VCA certificate is that employers are better able to comply with the Working Conditions Act. Not having the VCA certificate can therefore certainly have adverse consequences for employees and self-employed persons. Obviously, it is important for your own safety and the safety of colleagues to have the VCA certificate.
VCA EXAM
In order to pass the VCA exam, it is important that you know the content of the VCA exam. You can do this by taking a VCA practice exam. A VCA practice exam helps you to understand where you should focus your studies. Obviously, there are different exams to choose from, depending on the industry in which you operate. Depending on the position, you will receive a VCA person certification, such as VCA basis (executive employees). This is also called the B-VCA diploma. For example, another VCA exam relates to VOL-VCA. VOL-VCA relates to freelancers and managers. The abbreviation VIL-VCA stands for Safety for Intermediaries and managers. This relates, for example, to employees of an employment agency. A VCA exam can therefore differ per employee. The difficulty of the VCA exam can also differ per position and industry.
WHAT DOES VCA STAND FOR?
The abbreviation VCA stands for Safety, Health and Environment Checklist Contractors. It is not the case that VCA is only important within the construction sector as a risky sector. All risky activities and branches can be related to a VCA course. Think, for example, of the offshore industry or of a VCA petrochemical course. VCA stands for environmental checklist contractors, but is broader than just the construction sector. All employees have to deal with legal requirements to be able to carry out their work safely. Many employees will be satisfied with a VCA basic safety course, but this can differ per position. In addition to the VCA course VCA basic safety, there are many more courses available.
FOLLOW A VCA COURSE
Almost all employees and managers who work within a high-risk environment are increasingly obliged to follow a VCA course. The main reason for taking courses is to improve safety at work. But there are other reasons as well. A VCA course can help you stay calm in an emergency and make better decisions. It can also help you deal with stress and panic. The required knowledge can ensure that the number of accidents in the workplace decreases. As an employee, you must meet certain safety requirements in order to work safely. For this it is important to follow a targeted course. An employee who is VCA certified can make better decisions.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VCA DIPLOMAS
B-VCA
- The B-VCA training is the basic VCA training, which is important for employees on the work floor. Most clients nowadays expect at least the B-VCA diploma before employees are admitted to the workplace. The B-VCA diploma shows that the employee has knowledge of the environment, health and laws and regulations. Important aspects within this are the ability to work safely and the prevention of accidents.
VOL-VCA
- The VOL-VCA diploma is intended for operational managers within companies. The abbreviation VOL stands for Safety Operational Managers. Within this programme, learning to recognize and prevent unsafe work situations is central, as well as laws and regulations. Within practice, this may mean that the manager in question is also a prevention officer.
VIL-VCU
- The VIL-VCU diploma applies to intermediaries and managers of an employment agency. The abbreviation VIL stands for Safety for Intermediaries and Managers. Within this training, the knowledge with regard to the safety requirements at VCA-certified companies is central. This means, among other things, that temporary employment agencies are familiar with the requirements that clients set for possible personnel.
VALIDITY VCA CERTIFICATE
A VCA certificate is valid for ten years. Within this time, the certificate must be renewed. The VOL-VCA certificate (safety for operational managers) is also valid for a maximum of ten years.
HOW CAN I SEE IF MY VCA IS STILL VALID?
In the Central Diploma Register (CDR) you can check whether someone has a valid VCA certificate. Within this it is also possible to check for the SOG diploma. SOG stands for foundation cooperation for safety. This refers to employees who perform risky work with an AERIAL work platform. Think of the petrochemical industry, the maritime industry and industrial cleaning. Following a VCA course is therefore important for many different employees. Health and safety and the environment in the workplace concerns all employees.
WHAT DOES A VCA INSTRUCTOR DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A VCA INSTRUCTOR
Anyone who aspires to a career as a VCA instructor must comply with the guidelines of the Foundation for Cooperation for Safety (SSVV). More information can be found on the VCA website about possible training and the guidelines. Becoming a VCA instructor is generally not very difficult. Most courses will take about three days. Within the programme, attention is paid to didactics, interactive teaching, professional knowledge and structure, laws and regulations and to company certification and personal certification. Depending on personal preference, it is also possible to follow additional training courses. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A VCA INSTRUCTOR CAN BE EMPLOYED
A VCA instructor can work for various types of companies, governments and institutions to familiarize people with VCA. In addition, it is conceivable that a VCA instructor works as an independent entrepreneur. It is also conceivable that a VCA instructor performs other activities in the field of safety and working conditions.
COMPETENCES VCA INSTRUCTOR
The most important competencies of a VCA instructor are your didactic skills. The didactic skills relate to being able to teach according to the applicable guidelines, so that the students gain the right knowledge and pass the VCA exam. In addition, as a VCA instructor it is important that you regularly follow tutoring yourself, because regulations can change. Because as a VCA instructor you have to deal with different students, communication can be regarded as an important competence. Being able to motivate and inspire students is also generally important. Generally important words are insight, independence, control, predominance, sense of responsibility, eagerness to learn, planning and organizing.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A VCA INSTRUCTOR
The labour market perspective as a VCA instructor cannot simply be indicated, because this can be entirely dependent on possible other courses. The career opportunities as a VCA instructor should be seen in following extra courses, so that you get more powers and responsibilities. Think, for example, of being allowed to give first aid lessons. Moreover, it is conceivable that a VCA instructor sooner or later will set up his own company.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY VCA INSTRUCTOR
There are no examples of the employment conditions, because as a VCA instructor you can work for various types of companies, governments and institutions with different collective agreements. It is also not possible to give a salary indication for this profession, because it can also be a combined position. In addition, most VCA instructors who work as independent entrepreneurs work with fixed rates.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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