SVQ Level 2 Road Building — Special Requirements

Due to the specialised nature of road surface treatment installations and the relatively small number of appropriately experienced Assessors, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have set up a scheme for operatives working towards SVQ level 2 Roadbuilding. The RSTA-endorsed CSCS blue card is required by the National Highways Sector Scheme 13. 

The scheme has been specifically structured to maintain a high quality workforce and ensure proof of compliance with Appendix C of the National Highways Sector Scheme 13 (SS13), thus assuring clients of both a qualified workforce and adherence to SS13, when considering tenders.

In order to attain the RSTA-endorsed CSCS blue card, operatives are required to use the RSTA standardised portfolio and the Assessor must satisfy the RSTA Internal Verifier (IV) that he/she has the relevant experience and knowledge to assess the award.

The RSTA will monitor the scheme by holding a register of candidates that apply for the portfolio and will only issue a blue card if the operative is listed and using the RSTA portfolio.  The IV will observe standard IV sampling practices.  

The non-profit making RSTA Assessment Centre is committed to maintaining a high-quality, safety-conscious workforce. The RSTA does not charge for registration, or the standard portfolio, but the IV will invoice for his/her time and expenses, and SVQ entry charges will apply.

Review of Parking NOS: Consultation Phase

Review of NOS for penalty charge and civil parking notice processing and parking administrators

The Council for Administration (CfA) has developed a wide range of NOS which are relevant to business and administration functions across all sectors, including parking.

Together with the British Parking Association (BPA), CfA have been working with a range of industry experts to review and develop specialist NOS for those involved in penalty charge notice processing, civil parking notice processing, and parking administration.

The titles of the four parking-specific Standards are:

• Administer challenges, representations and CPN appeals
• Administer the statutory appeals process
• Administer debt registration
• Administer permits, season tickets, suspensions, dispensations/waivers and blue badges

If you would like more information on this project, please contact Sara Vanderheld at the CfA on 0207–091 9626 or Rocky Datoo at the BPA on 01444 447300.

Customer Service Qualifications on the SCQF

EDI is pleased to confirm that accreditation has been received from SQA for the following two qualifications:
 
• EDI Certificate in Customer Service at SCQF level 5
• EDI Certificate in Customer Service at SCQF level 6

Both these qualifications are aimed at people working, or hoping to work, within a customer service role. The qualifications are based on the NOS for customer service. Assessment, through multiple-choice questions, focuses on the principles of customer service, rules and regulations, and communication with customers.

Awarding Bodies With Approved Delegated Credit Rating Status

At the request of the Scottish Government, SQA Accreditation has developed a process to enable awarding bodies which meet certain criteria to apply an SCQF credit rating when submitting qualifications for accreditation.

Accredited Awards in Volunteer Management

The Learning and Practice Development Team within Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) has developed three accredited awards in partnership with SQA:

• Coordinating Volunteers at SCQF level 6
• Managing Volunteers at SCQF level 7
• a Professional Development Award in Volunteering Management at SCQF level 8

Individuals can book directly with VDS. Courses can be delivered ‘on-site’ for organisations where large groups of staff wish to take the qualification.

Animal Technology

The project to review the occupations within the sector (Sector Approved Profiles) highlighted a number of gaps within the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Animal Technology. Meetings were held during summer 2008 to look at how the gaps within the NOS might be addressed. 

The aim is to have draft NOS ready for industry-wide consultation by the end of October 2008 and revised NOS submitted for approval by the end of December 2008.

Training to Win the Skills Race: Wincanton Case Study

Finding tangible, measurable ways to recognise skills in the workplace can offer immense benefits for both staff and employers alike.

It’s not just about ticking a box to say training has been delivered; it’s about using nationally-recognised standards of competence to ensure that the investment in training gives a return because it is being applied back in the workplace.

Leading logistics company, Wincanton, operates a fleet of 8,500 vehicles and believes its employees deserve greater recognition for the skills they use at work. Since August 2007, one of the ways it has rewarded staff is through offering National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Driving Goods Vehicles and Carrying and Delivering Goods, up to level 3.

This is a decision which Wincanton firmly believes has benefited the company, its customers and its employees.

Paul Sturgeon, Driving Compliance Manager, Wincanton, said: ‘The business benefits have been very positive. Since we began delivering NVQs we have seen a reduction in both major and minor accidents, and from fuel-efficient driving we have seen corresponding financial and environmental benefits, with an overall increase in productivity.

‘It is fair to say that some drivers were sceptical about the introduction of the NVQs, believing it was something the company was doing for its own benefit, but of our 7000 commercial vehicle drivers 1,100 have successfully achieved an NVQ. Not one person has opted-out. We offer every driver the opportunity to achieve an NVQ, with Wincanton funding those drivers that do not qualify for Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding.

We already have an extensive driver training programme in place which includes both classroom and on the road assessment, but we wanted to recognise this training with something more than just a tick in a box on a company record. We felt our drivers deserved wider recognition of their skills, knowledge and competence.

The NVQ allowed our drivers to demonstrate their skills. It also gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to employee training, use of best practice, and to be an employer of choice.

The enthusiasm of our drivers is unbelievable — we have drivers who’ve achieved an NVQ asking what other qualifications they can go for next.

Without a doubt, delivering NVQs has been extremely worthwhile. Our drivers are motivated and are consistently meeting all the key performance indicators we expect of them.

In fact, our training already exceeds that required by the Driver CPC, EU Directive 2003/59, which comes into force in 2009.’

Mapping company training to nationally-recognised qualifications is very straightforward according Awards UK, an organisation jointly owned by Edexcel and SQA. It also has huge benefits for both employer and employee.

Awards UK worked with Wincanton to map its existing driver training programme to the standards of the NVQs. Wincanton receives funding from the LSC to support the NVQ assessment process.

John Dick, Director with Awards UK, said: ‘Most companies operate some form of training to ensure their staff is able to carry out their jobs safely, efficiently and profitably, however most of this training is unaccredited. What many employers don’t realise is that the skills their employees are developing and applying in their everyday work can be recognised with qualifications such as NVQs with support funding from LSC.

The benefits of recognising workers’ skills can be immense; formal recognition demonstrates a company’s capability to its clients; staff motivation is often significantly improved; the company is better equipped for future challenges, such as the increased cost of fuel and changes to the corporate manslaughter legislation.’

Through a brief training audit, Awards UK can map a company’s training to NVQs and help find the right source of funding to support the assessment process.

Companies are then free to carry out their own training and assessment or use an outside provider.

Dara O’Dwyer, Driver Trainer Manager at Wincanton, agrees. He said: ‘The drivers love the fact that assessment is largely hassle-free and they are very pleased that the company is investing in recognising their skills. Some of these drivers have been working for many years without any formal recognition of the value of their knowledge and experience, so it’s great for them.’

John Dick added: ‘The Government has made it clear, following the Leitch Review that it’s crucial for employers to play their part in ensuring the UK’s workforce is equipped with the skills to ensure our country’s future prosperity.

Accrediting in-house training through NVQs is an excellent way of doing this and becoming an employer of choice, as well as reducing operating costs and boosting productivity. For individuals the recognition boosts confidence, motivation and self-esteem, as well as enhancing future employment and career opportunities.’
 

TECSkills to Help Scottish Prison Service Train Offenders

A pioneering partnership between the ECITB and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is aiming to address the skills gap and ensure inmates break the offending cycle. The Head of Offender Outcomes at HMP Glenochil near Tullibody, Stephen Murphy, was invited to address the Scottish Region Forum on 21 May 2008, where he explained that the work prisoners do in prison fabrication workshops gives them transferable skills which can be used in the engineering construction industry.

HMP Glenochil has become the first Scottish prison accredited to deliver TECSkills. John Mellon, Chair of ECITB Board (Scotland), commented: ‘The ECITB and contractors have made a number of visits to HMP Glenochil to look at their Offender Outcomes Programmes and I am satisfied that this will be a successful association with the Scottish Prison Service. This is an effective way to expand the pool of skilled operatives needed to build and service the engineering projects of the future.’

SPS instructors at the prison are now set to be trained to deliver TECSkills and inmates will start to receive instruction after the summer.
 

Raising the Standards of all IT Users

e-skills UK is seeking feedback on the revisions proposed for the NOS relating to users of information technology. These revisions are based on the invaluable input received so far through the NOS website and from meetings with employers and training providers.

This consultation is crucial as these Standards define the levels of IT skills relevant both for the workforce and those seeking employment. They underpin the majority of IT user qualifications and government funded IT user training, including the SVQ for IT Users.  Making them sufficiently comprehensive and ensuring they address the right skills means better IT skills for all and a better workforce for businesses.

Landmark Alliance Between Energy Operators and Contractors Secures Skills Future of Oil and Gas Industry

A historic alliance between offshore operators and contractors was made in Aberdeen on 26 June this year, setting out a landmark partnership approach to tackling the oil and gas industry’s skills issues.

The strategic partnership agreement between The Oil and Gas Academy (OPITO) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) brought together two of the most dynamic skills organisations in the UK to work together to ensure the interests of the industry are best served.

The milestone agreement sets out plans for a shared agenda and action plan to be built by the partners and stakeholders for Oil and Gas UK, the Offshore Contractors Association, and the industry skills champion. It will ensure a culture of shared learning for both operators and contractors, and promote collaborative working on the design and development of new learning products and services for the UK industry.

As well as allowing for improved quality and transferability of the skills pool leading to increased safety and overall business performance, the new alliance will also provide a combined menu of skills and training solutions for operators and contractors.

David Doig, Chief Executive of OPITO, and David Edwards, CEO of ECITB, signed the agreement during Energise Your Future, an interactive industry careers and lifestyle event held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 26 June 2008.

‘This agreement is based on a genuine intent for both organisations to work harmoniously for the benefit of the industry and add real tangible value for employers. It is also for employers to help the partnership understand the skills needs of the industry and how these should be prioritised,’ said Mr Doig.

David Edwards commented: ‘The changing business models within the industry means that more alignment is needed to address the skills priorities. Working together will make this happen more quickly and effectively whilst ensuring duplication of effort and cost is eliminated over time.’

For further information contact Laura Grant on 01224 578179 or 07813 880496.

A New Regulatory Era in England

A new body entered the education and skills arena in England earlier this year. Created in April, Ofqual, the new regulator of qualifications, exams, and tests, has had a busy summer monitoring the results of National Curriculum tests for 11–14 year olds, GCSEs and A levels, but Kathleen Tattersall, Ofqual’s Chair, is keen to stress that there’s more to Ofqual than school tests. ‘Essentially, we are here to regulate providers of qualifications, examinations and National Curriculum assessments,’ she explained. ‘But we want to go further, shining a light on the system to gain a better understanding of what it can and should do. Our aim is a qualifications market which is fit for purpose, efficient and which gives value for money. Our qualifications must be fair, with secure Standards in which learners, employers, and the public can have confidence.’

One strand of work already underway is a programme looking at the reliability of results. At the heart of this project is a desire to record the views and experiences of stakeholders, practitioners, and learners, stimulating debate and awareness. In addition to the reliability project, Ofqual's remit includes:

• holding awarding bodies accountable for their performance and delivery systems
• making sure that all qualifications offered by awarding organisations are fair and are comparable with other qualifications
• monitoring standards in qualifications, exams, and tests — and reporting on findings
• ensuring fair access to qualifications for all candidates
• ensuring the quality of marking of exams, tests, and other assessments to make sure that learners get the results their work deserves
• making sure that the qualifications market provides value for money and meets the needs of learners and employers
• encouraging debate about important topics, such as standards of exams and qualifications

Livestock

Land-based Service Engineering

Around 26 employers and training providers have been working with Lantra, the sector skills council for the environmental and land-based sector, to re-write the NOS for the land-based engineering sector. The working group split into four regional groups and focused on four specific areas of work which required Standards. The draft NOS were then posted on the Google Doc website, where the full working group was given the opportunity to comment. 

The meeting on 12 August 2008 was attended by the lead member of each regional group to discuss the comments from the full working group. The outcomes from this meeting were taken to the full working group meeting held on 9 September 2008 at Lantra House.  The meeting aimed to:

• discuss the outcomes from the smaller meeting
• sign off the NOS for full industry consultation (all revisions agreed at the meeting prior to full consultation)
• discuss any other areas requiring development (parts, supervisor skills etc)

Draft NOS will be available for wider industry consultation by the end of September. The aim is to have final versions of the NOS signed off by industry and submitted for approval by December 2008.

The next stage of the process will be to work with awarding bodies, training providers, and employers to develop the Qualification Structure for the SVQ, which will start at the end of October 2008.

Improve Ltd propose a level 2 Modern Apprenticeship whilst SQA launch a level 2 SVQ pathway in Operation Skills

Following an announcement by the Scottish Government stating the Modern Apprenticeship framework would extend to level 2, Improve Ltd has quickly responded by submitting a proposal for a level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Food Manufacture. This comprehensive proposal was formed in consultation with employers and training providers. If the proposal is accepted by the Modern Apprenticeship Group (MAG), Improve Ltd would be keen to implement the framework as soon as possible.

SQA has also launched a new level 2 SVQ pathway in Operation Skills for Food Manufacture. The existing Production Control Skills SVQ has been amended to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and is now available from SQA and the Scottish Association of Master Bakers.

Race Ace Cleland Boosts Scottish Motor Industry’s Skills Mission

Former two-time British Touring Car champion, John Cleland, Dealer Principal at Clelands Jaguar in Galashiels, has joined forces with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to drive forward its mission to improve skills in the retail motor industry in Scotland.

The IMI, which is the sector skills council for the retail motor industry and its professional association for individuals working in the trade, wants 40,000 home-grown apprentices working in the UK’s automotive sector by 2013, an increase of 100% on today’s figure. This will ensure that the workforce remains sufficiently qualified to handle future vehicle technology, which in many cases is already as complex as some aircraft.

Announcing Mr Cleland’s membership of the IMI’s Scottish Employers Forum, Sandy Burgess, IMI’s National Manager Scotland, said: ‘Being able to call on John's experience within championship motor sport gives us a unique edge and can only add value to our experienced group of employers, which are working together to help raise skills standards within our industry to improve future business performance.’
 

Scottish Auto Technician Claims Top Spot in UK Skills Competition

Twenty-year-old Paul Abbey from Melrose has been crowned the UK’s top young automotive technician in a national skills competition, held at the Motor Industry Research Centre at Thatcham, Berkshire.

Paul, who works at Gattonside Garage in the Scottish Borders, competed against the very best young automotive technicians in the UK Skillauto competition in the Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance category. Competitors had to demonstrate their diagnostic and repair skills on a variety of vehicles and systems. Paul came out on top, collecting a trophy and prizes from competition sponsor, Snap-on Tools.

Bill Lowes, Paul’s employer, was delighted with the result and said: ‘We never doubted Paul would do well and I’m sure his enthusiasm, commitment and attitude will see him through the next stage.’

During his training, Paul won the Borders Apprentice of the Year award 2006 from the Scottish Motor Trade Association and in October 2007 he successfully won the Scottish heat of the Skillauto competition. Now with the UK title under his belt, he will enter the selection process for the WorldSkills competition, which is being held in Canada next year. If selected, Paul will represent the UK automotive industry in the four-day Light Vehicle competition, challenging for a world title.

Paul Abbey (centre) and other prize winners

The Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) Scottish development manager, David Massie, said: ‘With the pace of technological advance in our industry, it is fantastic to see an enthusiastic group of young apprentices display the level of skills and knowledge needed to ensure Scotland’s garages keep up with these changes. Paul is a worthy champion who encompassed the philosophy of these competitions to stretch our best young talent beyond competence to excellence.’

Skillauto has achieved one of the best track records for a national skills competition with medallists at the last two global competitions. Competing and winning on the international stage at WorldSkills is an integral part of the IMI’s ambitious plans to improve the perception of careers in the automotive sector, and address business need. The focus now turns to the competition in London in 2011, which will precede the hosting of the Olympic Games in 2012.

Candidates for 2008 Skillauto competition are requested to register their interest via the Skillauto website before completing a series of online tasks. The competitions encompass light and heavy vehicle servicing, as well as vehicle body repair and painting. They are designed to reflect the latest advancements in technology and business requirements, providing candidates with the opportunity to develop their skills further.

Modern Apprenticeship in Aviation

GoSkills, the sector skills council for passenger transport, is set to revise its Scottish Modern Apprenticeship in Aviation with a view to including a new pathway at level 2.

Consultation with employers and stakeholders in the aviation sector will take place in the next few months to establish the level of demand for the new pathway. It is anticipated that the sector will be very positive about this development and will be keen to support its implementation.

Following confirmation of employer support for the new pathway, a revised Modern Apprenticeship framework will be submitted for approval in early 2009.

In a related development, GoSkills has held discussions with SQA to accredit an SVQ in Aviation. Currently, only the NVQ is available for Scottish candidates. As with the Modern Apprenticeship, accreditation will be dependent on the level of demand, but GoSkills is confident that there is significant demand from employers for this development.

Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management

The Standards and Qualifications Team within Lantra, the sector skills council for the environmental and land-based sector, is preparing to ask industry to sign off the revisions to the Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management NOS, prior to submission for approval.  Revisions include:

• a new Unit covering assisting with loading
• a new Unit to cover supporting practitioners on a shot day
• a new Unit on preparing for and carrying out shotgun instruction
• a new Unit on managing the process of instructing and coaching
• splitting the original Unit ‘assist in the production of fertile game eggs’ to create two Units: one for ‘assisting with producing eggs’ and one on ‘assisting with the catching of breeding stock’
• revisions to the current NOS to reflect lone working and the welfare of animals in transport regulations

Approved NOS should be available for use by November 2008.
 

FSSC Modern Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services

The Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) is delighted to announce that a new Modern Apprenticeship framework in providing financial services has been approved for use in Scotland.

The new Modern Apprenticeship covers people working in areas such as retail banking, general and long-term insurance, investment administration, financial, mortgage and long-term care insurance advice, and pensions administration and advice.

The FSSC decided to include Financial Advice, Retail Banking and Investment Administration, and Insurance within a single Modern Apprenticeship framework, following feedback from employers that employees would like the option of a ‘financial services’ certificate. The new framework follows the development by the FSSC of new NOS in these areas, and replaces earlier Modern Apprenticeship frameworks in Providing Financial Services (Banks and Building Societies) and Insurance.

As part of this Modern Apprenticeship framework, SQA has recently accredited new SVQs at levels 2 and 3 in Providing Financial Services which cover the retail banking, general and long-term insurance, investment administration and pensions administration and advice pathways.

Scottish Vocational Qualification Units on the SCQF

EDI has participated in a three-year project to credit rate Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Units. As a result, the majority of business and administration, retail, and customer service Units have been assigned a SCQF level and SCQF credit points, and these will be reflected on learners’ Unit certificates. 
 

EDI Achieves Devolved Credit Rating Status

Education Development International (EDI) is pleased to announce that it has recently achieved devolved credit rating status with SQA. This means that EDI has been granted the authority to carry out credit rating activity for its own qualifications.

ECITB assists in launch of Skills and Training Charter at Scottish Parliament

The ECITB was among a number of industry professionals which presented the Skills and Training Charter to the Scottish Parliament in order to encourage industry to put the skills shortage at the top of its agenda. As demand for skilled labour in Scotland grows and the deficit of trained professionals increases, it has become apparent that industry must urgently address this issue if the UK is to maintain its position as a centre of engineering construction expertise.

The Charter was formulated through the ECITB Scottish regional forum with contributions from a host of industry professionals including:

• the Engineering Construction Industry Association (ECIA)
• contractors
• unions
• Select (Scotland’s electrical trade association)

It sets out the need to develop and sustain a more extensive pool of skilled operatives to build and service the engineering construction projects of the future. It also highlights the need to provide job opportunities to school leavers and jobless adults, and to create an improved industry culture of training and succession planning.

To date, 17 leading organisations have signed the Charter, including the ECITB, Unite, NJC, GMB, TICA, Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group for Construction, Scottish JIB, ECIA, JIB, Doosan Babcock, Hertel, Shaw Group UK, Watson Norrie, Granite Service International, Cape, and Interserve. They were all presented with a certificate to mark their commitment to the Charter.

Tony Featherstone, Director of Operations at ECITB, spoke at the event alongside Marilyn Livingstone MSP from the Cross Party Group for Construction (Convener), Mike Hockey, CEO of ECIA, and John Quigley, Regional Secretary of Unite. 

Commenting on the Charter, Tony said: ‘The Scottish Government has identified engineering and construction as a priority sector for the economy and we hope this Charter will provide a firm foundation for the industry’s success moving forward. With so many prestigious names on board, I’m confident we can achieve this.’

Budding Engineers Build Oil Platform for ECITB Challenge

Over 600 young engineers, teachers, and companies enjoyed the annual ‘Celebration of Engineering’ event, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Glasgow Science Centre on 12 June 2008. A record 60 clubs from primary and secondary schools across Scotland, from Orkney to Dumfries, entered and showcased their engineering activities.

Groups of up to five school children competed in three-minute technology challenges where they had to correctly re-assemble a model oil platform that had been built by Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) apprentices. The model featured detachable sections including pipes, cranes, a helipad, and accommodation blocks.

New National Occupational Standards (NOS) released for Management of Volunteers