What are construction NVQs?Construction NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are certifications in the UK that demonstrate competence and capability to perform a specific technical job as per a set of pre-defined standards. Construction industry NVQs are awarded in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Scotland has an equivalent system referred to as Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
The system of standards that form the foundation of Construction NVQ qualifications is known as NOS (National Occupational Standards). Because construction industry NVQs primarily assess on-the-job competence, majority of candidates for a Construction NVQ will pursue a qualification that is along their existing line of work.
How is assessment for construction NVQs done?
Even though they are based on the NOS, construction NVQs do not follow any pre-defined curriculum – obtaining the construction NVQ is entirely outcome-based. You are either competent or incompetent in the assessed vocation.
That being said, you will notice that many construction industry NVQ assessors roughly follow some four basic steps. They will first assess what you can do and if does, there should not be much ado in you obtaining the Construction NVQ. If you do not measure up, the assessor usually lets you know what the expectations of the standard you are aiming for are.
The assessor will proceed to outline what you need to learn and what specific activities will move you in that direction before you are assessed again for the construction NVQ. These activities may involve you attending a course or in some cases, doing slightly different work from what you currently do just so as to gain the requisite evidence of competence in your chosen construction industry NVQ.
Construction NVQs as prerequisite for CSCS cards
It is safe to say that the ‘practical’ and hands-on element of Construction worker NVQs that made them the perfect fit for a prerequisite for CSCS cards. Remember, CSCS cards are a statement of the cardholder’s competence and awareness of health and safety best practice at a construction site.
Competence in the trade is naturally the first step to a safer work environment. Employees that are not trained in what they do pose a safety risk not just to themselves but also to those around them.
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