PDA Renewable Energy Systems SCQF level 8

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Renewable Energy Systems is a qualification for people who want to extend or broaden their skills in this vital and growing area.

The award has been designed to provide candidates with knowledge and understanding of current and future trends in energy production, sustainability and energy conservation issues and the role that renewable energy systems technologies may play in meeting energy demands and in limiting global environmental damage. The PDA will also allow candidates to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the physics and engineering of many renewable energy systems technologies so they can make accurate, valid comparisons between renewable technologies when solving energy related problems.

Candidates will also be able to specialise in more depth in at least two specialist areas of renewable energy systems by studying from optional units in Biomass, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectricity, Microgeneration, Solar, Wave and Tidal Power, or Wind Power. 

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The PDA in Renewable Energy Systems has developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Candidates would normally have a general knowledge and understanding of engineering systems and mechanical, electrical and electronic principles and technologies on entry to the PDA. The qualifications which best meet this requirement are as follows:

  • Advanced Certificate or Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems
  • A suitable multi-disciplinary degree
  • Other Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma qualifications in areas such as Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
  • Other awards deemed equivalent to the above

Candidates with other technical and/or scientific qualifications, may partially meet the requirements but may have to undertake further study prior to starting the PDA.

The PDA in Renewable Energy Systems could provide the opportunity to progress to other Engineering PDAs and Advanced Diploma qualifications. Successful completion of the qualification could also open up more employment opportunities and career prospects in the sector.

Centres interested in offering this qualification must 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.

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Group award code: GV3Y 48  (48 SCQF credit points)

Structure

The PDA in Renewable Energy Systems at SCQF level 8 consists of 2 mandatory units and 2 optional units.

GV3Y48 (357 KB)