PDA Advanced Manufacturing SCQF level 7

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Advanced Manufacturing at SCQF level 7 provides learners with the opportunity to develop industry relevant software and interfacing skills and knowledge of advanced technologies related to the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

The qualification will be relevant to a wide range of manufacturing sectors including aerospace, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, fashion and textiles as well as the traditional electrical, electronics, marine and mechanical engineering industries.

This four unit PDA is available through colleges and covers areas such as Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Internet of Things.

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The PDA in Advanced Manufacturing at SCQF level 7 was developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

The qualification enables sectors to reskill and upskill their existing workforce. It is envisaged that this flexible and industry tailored PDA will improve learners' employment and progression prospects and will support national strategies and drivers.

The qualification can be used for upskilling and reskilling of the workforce; as an introduction into engineering for senior phase school students and for forming articulation routes to full HNC/D participation.

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience.

  • NC or HNC in a related discipline, these could include but not limited to Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Systems, Manufacturing Engineering and Measurement and Control Engineering;
  • at least one Higher level pass, with appropriate supporting passes at National 5 or equivalent in appropriate subjects, desirably this would include Maths, English, and or a Science subject;
  • SVQ in an Engineering discipline, these could include but not limited to Mechanical, Manufacturing or Electrical Engineering.

Successful completion of the qualification could open up more employment opportunities and career prospects in the sector.

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

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.

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) are available on the SQA secure website for some of the units in this qualification.