PDA Events SCQF level 7

The PDA in Events at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is fit for purpose.

The events industry has seen substantial growth in recent years and industry practitioners now expect prospective employees to have a relevant qualification that provides both the theoretical knowledge and the vocational skills necessary to fulfil a role within the industry.     

The PDA in Events 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.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The Unit-based structure aids flexibility in how the qualification is delivered. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, within the events industry and those who require a specific skill set.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Learners do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter the PDA. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required. It is expected that candidates will be currently working in the events sector.

Examples of appropriate formal entry qualifications include:

• a minimum of one SQA Higher (SCQF level 6) pass at grade C along with three Standard Grade passes at 3 or above, or three National 5 awards at grade C or above
• appropriate Scottish Group Awards at Intermediate 2 or appropriate National Certificate at SCQF 5 or 6, for example National Certificate in Events Co-ordination at SCQF level 5
• relevant work experience

These qualifications would also suit:

• employers who wish their employees to take part in short, continuing professional development courses
• learners who are seeking national recognition of their achievements

The Units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Events.

The PDA in Events will allow learners to progress towards an HNC/HND in Events/Events Management and then, if interested, candidates can progress to a suitable degree programme at university.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have 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 Guide to Approval.

The PDA specification places emphasis on assessing the whole Outcome or combination of Outcomes rather than knowledge and/or skills individually.

The Unit specifications allow the use of sampling of knowledge and/or skills. This reduces the assessment loading for both candidates and centres. The Unit specifications detail the Evidence Requirements and assessment procedures for each assessment.

Assessment exemplars have been provided for some Units and are available via SQA Co-ordinators from SQA's Secure website.