Training for experienced trades people
The construction industry is making significant progress towards its drive for a fully qualified workforce. To access to the widest number of contractor opportunities, Candidates should ensure that they hold a valid NVQ Qualification. Along with passing the Construction Skills Health & Safety Test, it enables operatives to get a CSCS Card and gain access to commercial building sites.
Two qualification routes are available for Candidates to achieve their NVQ; On Site Assessment & Training (OSAT), and the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA)
Before any assessment is carried out an assessor will contact and meet with an NVQ Candidate to discuss which of the qualification routes is most suitable for them. The assessor can also advise whether or not the candidate will be eligible for Train to Gain Funding for the NVQ.
For a FREE elegibility check, click here >>
OSATOn Site Assessment & Training – (OSAT) NVQ Level 2
For OSAT, an Assessor visits the candidate in the workplace (commercial or domestic) and assesses their work to the NVQ Standards.
Over a period of time the assessor collects evidence of a candidates practical and knowledge skills; which could include photographs of g work, testimonies from employers and details of training courses attended.
The assessor compiles a portfolio of evidence, proving that the candidate has the range of practical skills and knowledge required to meet the criteria for NVQ Level 2.
The candidate does not have to have time off work or attend a Training Centre, as all assessments are carried out at the workplace.
EWPAExperienced Worker Practical Assessment – (EWPA) NVQ Level 2 - click for more info
EWPA is a 1-2 day assessment for Candidates who have gained the knowledge and skills for there trade without having an NVQ to formally accredit their skills.
EWPA incorporates the key criteria of the NVQ Level 2 into a relevant practical task, which must be completed in an allotted time frame.
NVQ candidates receive details about the practical test before they're due to attempt it, so they have a good idea of what they're expected to achieve.
There is also a 'Professional Discussion' with an assessor which covers the candidates experience. This ensures that the candidate has the range of practical experience and knowledge to gain the NVQ Level 2.
If the candidate meets the criteria, they will achieve their NVQ on the day of the assessment.
Funding Train to Gain Funding - click for more info
'Train to Gain' Funding maybe available for NVQ Qualifications.
This could be full funding or partial funding for the qualification is available, depending on the level of qualifications that the candidate for the NVQ already holds.
Funding may also be available for further training if required, to enable candidates to improve their skills and meet the criteria for the NVQ.
For further information on Train to Gain, funding and eligibility, contact 0845 5040696
GrantsCITB Grants - click for more info
NVQ Achievement grants maybe available, providing companies are registered with CITB-Construction Skills and meet the eligibility criteria for grants.
Why Gain Your NVQ?
- Your NVQ is required in order to obtain a CSCS Card, which allows access to Commercial Building Sites.
- Train to Gain Funding and CITB-Construction Skills Grants maybe available towards the cost of the assessment.
- With OSAT and EWPA there is no need to attend a Training centre to achieve the qualification.
- All NVQ assessors are experienced tradespeople.
- The more contractors, employers and domestic customers that insist on using NVQ qualified tradespeople, the less potential there will be for cowboys to work in the industry.
