You definitely do not need to be working in the trade to undertake the 2365 L2 and L3, you do not need to be employed by someone else to undertake your 2357 conversion and AM2 although for most it is probably advisable. There are a number of ways you can have work assessed for the 2357.
Evidence can include (not must!):
• direct observation in the workplace by a qualified assessor
• witness testimony of work carried out by you in the workplace written by an expert witness
• questioning – this could be verbal, written or computer based
• other evidence which can include photographs or personal account
If you had a wealth of experience and was self employed you could build a portfolio based on ADQ (assessor devised questions) and Other evidence, which would mainly be a paper based portfolio of jobs from beginning to end with a load of photos and perhaps testimony from main contractors, customers and or work colleagues with a few site visits thrown in by your assessor. I used to do a load of C&G assessments in another field and most candidates were paper based with ADQ's and the odd day with an assessor. Not ideal but it is possible.
Evidence can include (not must!):
• direct observation in the workplace by a qualified assessor
• witness testimony of work carried out by you in the workplace written by an expert witness
• questioning – this could be verbal, written or computer based
• other evidence which can include photographs or personal account
If you had a wealth of experience and was self employed you could build a portfolio based on ADQ (assessor devised questions) and Other evidence, which would mainly be a paper based portfolio of jobs from beginning to end with a load of photos and perhaps testimony from main contractors, customers and or work colleagues with a few site visits thrown in by your assessor. I used to do a load of C&G assessments in another field and most candidates were paper based with ADQ's and the odd day with an assessor. Not ideal but it is possible.