SVQ Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) SCQF level 6
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) at SCQF level 6 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 monitoring and managing of fish and shellfish processing operations, leadership, developing skills in a range of fish and shellfish processes including procedures and recording production operations, product knowledge, frying fish and chips, smoking, quality assessment and seafood sales.
Developed by 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 institutions and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
The SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) at SCQF level 6 is a new addition to the suite of SVQs for Food and Drink Operations and complements the SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) at SCQF level 6. It is designed specifically to meet the skills needs of the growing fish processing sector and recognises the growing needs of retailers for staff trained in technical and quality roles in this sector to enable them to increase their competitiveness in this market.
Due to the practical, competence-based nature of this qualification, it must be delivered in the workplace or real work environment. Simulation is not permitted under the assessment strategy. It may be delivered full-time or part-time.
The achievement of other awards in the Food and Drink sector such as the NPA in Food Manufacture at SCQF level 6, Health and Food Technology at National 4/5 or SVQ in Food Preparation may contribute towards the knowledge and understanding required by this SVQ.
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- individuals who are employed in the food sector and wish to develop the skills required to work at supervisory level within the fish and shellfish sector
- 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 fish and shellfish production processes would be an advantage.
- Given the practical nature of this qualification, and that it must be assessed in the workplace, it is only suitable for those who are employed or are in work placement in the food industry.
Progression
The SVQ at SCQF 6 could provide progression to:
- an HNC in Food Science and Technology at SCQF level 7 or a management qualification
- degree level study in a related discipline
- employment in the sector at supervisory/management level
- there may also be lateral progression to the SVQs in Aquaculture.
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: GR5R 23
The SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) at SCQF level 6 consists of 1 mandatory unit and 7 optional units.
For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (61 KB).
National Occupational Standards
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.
- Core Skills Signposting (281 KB)
Awarding partnership arrangements
GR5R 23 in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) is jointly awarded by NSAFD.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
- Assessment strategy (86 KB)