SVQ Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) SCQF level 5

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) at SCQF level 5 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work and expertise, and is aimed at staff in the onshore fish and shellfish sector.

This qualification covers areas such as filleting, processing, grading, packing, retail display of fish and shellfish, counter/take-away food service and sales.

Developed by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD), the sector skills council for the food and drink manufacturing sector, this qualification is awarded by SQA in partnership with NSAFD.

This qualification must be assessed in the workplace and is therefore only suitable for individuals employed in the onshore sectors of the fish and shellfish sector of the food and drink industry. It is available through employers, further education and training providers.

Why deliver this qualification

The SVQ  in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) at SCQF level 5 is a new qualification for the growing food and drink manufacture sector. It has been developed as a result of a review of the National Occupational Standards.

Candidates can progress to a range of courses - allowing centres to maintain or build student numbers. For example, candidates could progress to a higher level with SVQ 3 Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6. Alternatively, they could progress laterally to SVQ 2 in Food and Drink Operations: Food Manufacturing Excellence at SCQF level 5.

The SVQ can be offered in either of the following modes:

  • full-time
  • part-time

Who does this qualification suit

This SVQ is suitable for:

  • learners who may have just left school
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
  • employees who wish to obtain short, continuing professional development courses

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in/knowledge of the subject would be an advantage.

Progression

The SVQ at SCQF level 5 could provide progression to:

  • SVQ Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6
  • NPA Food and Drink Manufacture at SCQF level 6
  • HNC Food Science and Technology at SCQF level 7
  • Management/Leadership degree level study at a higher education institution
  • career development employment in the food (fish and shellfish) sector

Approval

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/ occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

How to assess

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the assessment strategy.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Group Award Code: GR5T 22

The SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) at SCQF level 5 consists of two mandatory units and six optional units.

For details of the Units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (56 KB).

National Occupational Standards

Centres/candidates undertaking these courses should also refer to the full National Occupational Standards for information relating to the overview and scope.

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.

Core Skills signposting

Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.

Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.

Awarding partnership arrangements

GR5T 22 in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) is jointly awarded by NSAFD.

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Assessor's guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio