Level 3 NVQ Diploma Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

SQA code: GT27 79
Ofqual code: 603/7900/5
Total Qualification Time: 890
Guided Learning Hours: 387
Credit value: 89

The qualification will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace. Learners can specialise in monitoring progress of work against schedules in the workplace.

This qualification covers the following areas:

  • confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace
  • developing and maintaining good occupational working relationships in the workplace
  • confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace
  • implementing and maintaining health, safety, environmental and welfare practices in the workplace
  • co-ordinating and organising work operations in the workplace
  • monitoring progress of work against schedules in the workplace

This qualification may be available through employers, training providers and colleges and may be offered in England and Wales.

The NVQ/SVQ in Occupational Work Supervision (OWS) was created in response to demand from industry for a progression route for team leaders and supervisors where there was no suitable vocational occupational or supervisory qualification available at level 3 (SCQF L6). It was also considered that the Construction Site Supervision N/SVQ was too broad in its scope and demand, and unachievable by specialist supervisors.

Following consultation with industry, it was clear that while the role carried out by a supervisor was common across a number of occupational areas, to operate effectively an occupational supervisor needed to be competent in the occupational area being supervised. This was to ensure they would bring knowledge and understanding of the specific working practices, quality standards, and health and safety requirements to exercise their duties effectively. It was therefore agreed that, where overarching supervisory qualifications such as OWS were used, it was on the proviso that awarding organisations verify:

  • the individual's experience and competence in their occupational area prior to being registered for the Occupational Work Supervision qualification.
  • the context (occupational area) in which the individual had completed their OWS qualification.
  • that the individual had the necessary occupational competence to supervise that occupational area.

New CSCS card requirements for S/NVQs in Construction

  • SVQ Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) SCQF L6 (GM3A 23)
  • NVQ Diploma Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) L3 (GE1Y 79)

As you will be aware, CITB SSC and CSCS have stipulated that for these two qualifications ‘learners must demonstrate relevant verifiable experience and competence in their occupational area’. This means that you must now provide details of the specific construction area (endorsement) that the learner was assessed in for their supervision competency.

OWS Endorsement List

This is a mandatory CSCS requirement. CSCS will not issue cards if this information is not provided with the CSCS card application.

Interim process from 15 April 2019 (applicable to Occupational Work Supervision only)

We have agreed an approach with CSCS to enable learners to receive their CSCS card in light of the new requirements.

CSCS have stipulated, that with immediate effect you must complete the attached ‘side letter’, detailing which endorsement (specific construction area) the learner has been assessed in, and submit this to CSCS along with any other documentation required to enable the learner to request their CSCS card.

The SVQ lapsed on 31 December 2019 and was replaced by GR0R 23.

The NVQ also lapsed on 31 December 2019 and was replaced by GR0H 79.

All other Construction S/NVQs with endorsement requirements

CITB SSC and CSCS have stipulated that all other CSCS cards must be issued with the relevant unit endorsement to show the piece of Plant, Equipment, Activity or Specialism that the learner has been assessed in.

This is a mandatory CSCS requirement. CSCS will not issue cards if this information is not provided with the CSCS card application.

Interim process from 1 June 2019 (all other Construction S/NVQs with endorsement requirements)

As an interim approach which is applicable from 1 June 2019, SQA and CSCS have agreed that centres should complete the 'side letter' attached. This should be submitted to CSCS along with any other documentation required by CSCS to provide the relevant card.

Please refer to the specific endorsement list attached to the qualification structure which is available on the CITB website.

From 1 January 2020

We are currently in discussions with CSCS to finalise the process for incorporating all endorsements into all S/NVQ's for implementation on 1 January 2020. We will provide further details in due course.

If you have any queries about the new requirements or changes to process, please contact construction@sqa.org.uk.

September 2021 update

  • SVQ in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)
  • NVQ L3 Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

CITB SSC and the OWS National Working Group (NWG) have recently revised the S/NVQ Occupational Work Supervision qualifications.

As a result, there will no longer be a requirement for side letters or endorsements in the current S/NVQs. This decision means that:

  • awarding bodies will no longer be required to endorse an OWS qualification by the issuance of an endorsement or side letter to the award.
  • card schemes may no longer have a requirement to show endorsements on cards which should reduce the processes required to contain a card.

We have since gone through the reaccreditation process for the SVQ to remove the endorsement units. The qualification is now available under group award code: GT1N 23.

The NVQ L3 Diploma has also gone through the same process and is now available under group award code GR0H 79. Along with removing the endorsement units within the NVQ we have also created a new unit for Co-ordinating and Organising Work Operations in the Workplace (formerly FX8L 79) which now appears under code GT27 79. This unit was given a new code to reflect the updated NOS.

 

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Rationale and purpose of this qualification

This qualification is aimed at those who are in work and are looking for recognition of their prior learning and experience.

Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner’s occupational competence in Occupation Work Supervision. As a work-related, competence-based qualification it provides confirmation to employers, industry managers and card schemes that the learner has the skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally-recognised standard to carry out the role.

Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment, to progress in the industry, or to work towards another qualification (see Progression).

Objectives

The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • supporting a role in the workplace
  • confirming knowledge, understanding and skills
  • providing access to a relevant card scheme
  • enabling learners to gain the relevant licence to practise

Recognition

This qualification is supported by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)

CSCS provides a registration card scheme acknowledged by industry for those involved in construction. The scheme recognises skills, knowledge and understanding, competence and qualifications.

What does this qualification cover?

As this is a competence-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for:

  • workers wishing to progress into a supervisory position
  • learners who have completed a qualification in a relevant discipline at level 2
  • people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • individuals who wish to start their own business

Entry

The National Working Group (NWG) for OWS has approved any of the following entry requirements for anyone taking the OWS NVQ or SVQ:

  • the individual’s occupational industry experience prior to being registered for the Occupational Work Supervision qualification
  • the individual’s ability and experience in supervising teams
  • the individual is occupationally competent to at least level 2 or SCQF level 5 in Construction

Delivering centres must ensure they have evidence that candidates meet these requirements prior to registering them on this qualification.

For further information on the entry requirements for candidates looking to register on the OWS qualifications please visit the following link: https://www.citb.co.uk/media/yl0jyiu0/ows_statement_jul_2021.pdf

Progression

Learners may progress from the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction) to a range of qualifications at Level 4 and above.

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupation Work Supervision can lead to employment within the construction industry.

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Qualification structure

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

SQA Code: GT27 79

The qualification requires the learner to complete six mandatory units (credit value 67) and two optional units (credit value 22).

Please refer to the qualification structure (89 KB) for more information.

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How to assess

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each unit specification gives detailed information on the assessment criteria, assessment (evidence) requirements and guidance on instruments of assessment for the unit.

The qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details what the learner has completed at work. This can be gathered through observation, professional discussion, witness testimony or supporting documentary evidence. The assessor can work alongside the learner to confirm that they have met the requirements of the qualification and that they are therefore competent in their role.

Competence is displayed through the assessor observing the learner demonstrate that they carry out their normal work activities competently and to the industry standard and comply with current legislation and company procedures.

The assessment process will ensure that the learner can complete the tasks that they have been directed to undertake and that they can interpret the instructions correctly. They will demonstrate that they can select the appropriate resources for the tasks and can complete them within the given timescales and specifications.

Learner portfolio

Assessment strategy/principle