Achieving a Plastering NVQ

The Plastering NVQ is rapidly becoming essential property for any plasterer who wants to work on a UK building site. The NVQs link with the CSCS Card (in addition to a CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test you also need to achieve a relevant level NVQ in your trade) has made it a qualification you need to achieve.

The NVQ in plastering is seen as evidence of actual on the job ability rather than theoretical know how. That’s why it is demanded by CSCS in order for a plasterer to qualify for the right Card. Achieving a plastering NVQ is the same thing as proving that you have a measurable level of competence in your trade.

Do I Need the NVQ in Plastering Before I Can Start Work?

No. The NVQ in plastering is evidence of your ability but it isn’t a pre-requisite to get work. A City and Guilds qualification in plastering is normally enough to get you a job in the area. The NVQ is there to cement your position and to broaden your future employment prospects.

However, the plaster NVQ’s association with the CSCS Card makes it imperative for long term building work. While you don’t need an NVQ in plastering in order to get an initial CSCS Card, you will need to prove NVQ enrolment – and as some CSCS Cards come with time limits, you can’t sit on your laurels. The plastering NVQ is not a prerequisite for starting work on a building site but you will need one in order to continue to ply your trade.

The Difference Between the City and Guilds and the Plastering NVQ

The City and Guilds qualification doesn’t prove that you are capable of performing on the job: it just shows that you have achieved a good understanding of the technical theory of plastering. The NVQs point is to show that you can take that technical knowledge and apply it in a working environment with effectiveness and skill. As such the plastering NVQ is an on the job qualification – you can’t achieve one until you have work as a plasterer. With the exception of your initial interview, which is conducted without immediate reference to your work, your NVQ in plastering will be done as you work. The City and Guilds qualification is taken at college or a similar construction training centre.

How Does the Plastering NVQ Work?

You’ll be interviewed first, to determine your level of on the job experience. Your Construction NVQ assessor will then help you construct a plan of action, with agreed dates for completing units. You will be assessed in all the relevant practical areas of your work by a qualified person, who will sign off individual NVQ units as they feel you are ready. Your assessor is there to test your knowledge as you work. He or she will give you guidance through each module to hone your skills in the real world environment of the workplace.

Once you have achieved your plastering NVQ, and taken the relevant CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test (Working at Heights), you will be eligible for your first Skilled CSCS Card.