www.arca.org.uk
National
Vocational
Qualification
Removal of
hazardous and non hazardous waste
(construction) level 2
NVQs: what are they?
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. It is a 'competence-based' qualification:
this means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills
and knowledge to do a job effectively.
NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations. The standards say what a
competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the
assessment, you compare your skills and knowledge with these standards as you record
the evidence, so you can see what you still need to do to meet them.
Taking an NVQ could be appropriate if you already have skills and want to improve them,
or if you are starting from scratch.
How long does it take?
Within reason, there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ; it is designed to be
taken at a pace that suits your needs. However, some individuals within our industry have
achieved the NVQ within a six month period.
Why are NVQs being
Health and Safety Executive
made available again?
Greater emphasis is being placed upon us to prove that individuals who work in asbestos
removal have the competence to undertake the work. At present the annual training is to
fill knowledge gaps and update to current industry work practices. It doesn’t provide a
measure of competence. HSE are driving our industry to develop competent and qualified
individuals working in asbestos removal. Furthermore, competence is defined as an
individuals ability to have knowledge, understanding and experience of the work they
undertake. The NVQ assesses all of these qualities.
Train to Gain funding
Furthermore, the availability of ‘Train to Gain’ funding (currently only available in England)
has enabled the NVQ to be offered to members at minimal costs. There is the potential
for £1,800 per individual to be made available to the assessment centre to carry out the
assessment of the individual. However, available funding may be lower.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
With NVQs now being made available to our industry the CSCS will phase out the industry
accredited route we have had access to in favour of competency based qualifications. Up
until July 2009 CSCS are willing to accept existing new and refresher training as suitable
for a CSCS card. However, after the July 31st deadline closes NVQs will be the standard
for gaining a CSCS card.
12 arca & atac news
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