In the UK over two million people work in construction related occupations and the industry is constantly developing and expanding. The most successful individuals in the construction industry are those that possess a good balance of experience and qualifications; you can achieve this balance by pursuing a National Vocational Qualification, or NVQ.
The NVQ (SVQ in Scotland) is considered the industry standard in the construction business. The scheme is popular with both employers and trainees as its flexibility allows learners to work and study at the same time.
By completing a construction NVQ in your chosen field, in this case Carpentry, you will be recognised as a qualified member of the workforce, this means you will eligible for the CSCS card scheme or one of the affiliated card schemes. Possession of a CSCS card or an Affiliate CSCS card is essential for gaining site access in the UK, and it will also assist you in your career progression and employability level.
Carpentry NVQ’s:
The NVQ is a work-based qualification, which means you will need to be employed by a carpentry firm, be self-employed as a carpenter, or be undertaking a carpentry Apprenticeship.
Although there are no formal entry requirements when applying for an NVQ Level 1 or Level 2 it is advisable that candidates wishing to achieve this qualification have some kind of relevant construction experience and are confident they can complete the practical units. If you wish to pursue a construction NVQ Level 3 or Level 4 NVQ you must complete the precursory level first.
There are a number of different Carpentry NVQ Qualifications available at several levels including; a Level 2 NVQ in Wood Occupations in Site Carpentry or Structural Post and Beam Carpentry, a Level 3 NVQ in Wood Occupations in Site Carpentry and a Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Senior Crafts in Carpentry.
The NVQ Assessment Process:
As the above information outlines, the NVQ is a work-based qualification therefore the assessment process is substantially based upon practical tasks which are undertaken in the workplace and recorded by you, the learner, in a logbook or diary. As well as your own personal logbook/diary you will also be required to provide supporting evidence of the carpentry work you have undertaken; this could be in the form of photographs, test results, risk assessments or job sheets. The tasks and the evidence that are recorded in your logbook/diary will be referred to as your portfolio of work
During your NVQ training you will be visited on several occasions by an NVQ Assessor. The Assessor will review your portfolio, talk to you about your progress, liaise with your line manager or employer and, in some cases, observe your carpentry work in practice.
Your carpentry NVQ will cover the mandatory construction related units, Conforming to General Safety in the Workplace, Conforming to Efficient Working Practices and Moving and Handling Resources in the Workplace. Depending upon the Level and type of NVQ you are pursuing you may also undertake some of the following units:
Installing First and Second Fixing Components
Confirming the Occupational Method of the (Carpentry) Work
Confirming (Carpentry) Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area
Erecting Structural and Complex Structural Carcassing Components
Maintaining Non-structural and Structural Components in the Workplace
Setting Up and Using Fixed or Transportable Woodworking and Metalworking Machinery
Maintaining Systems for Health, Safety, Welfare and Environmental Protection in the Workplace
At NVQ Level 4 you may also undertake units which have a supervisory or teaching element to them such as; Enabling People to Learn and Benefit from your Experience, Allocating and Monitoring the Use of Materials on Site, Facilitating Organisational Site Control Methods and Identifying, Allocating and Planning the Deployment and Use of Plant, Equipment or Machinery.
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