
SQA’s portfolio of QCF qualifications in Wood Occupations includes both competence- and knowledge-based qualifications at QCF Levels 2 and 3. The relevant SQA codes are detailed below.
The NVQ Certificates and Diplomas are competence-based qualifications which are designed to provide learners with an opportunity to demonstrate, in a real workplace environment, that they are competent against a set of performance statements.
There are also knowledge-based Diplomas that tend to be carried out in an 'off-the-job' training environment. This will provide learners with the opportunity to develop the underpinning Knowledge and Understanding associated with the job role whilst also allowing the learners to practice the practical skills needed to perform the job role effectively.
The Certificates and Diplomas are based on the National Occupational Standards for Wood Occupations and can be used as part of an apprenticeship or as stand-alone qualifications to develop competences or to progress to further professional/academic qualifications.
| Qualification title | Type | Ofqual code | SQA code |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Wheelwrighting | Competence | 600/3347/2 | GE0R 66 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Shopfitting Site Work | Competence | 600/3347/2 | GE0T 66 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Shopfitting Bench Work | Competence | 600/3347/2 | GC0D 66 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Site Carpentry | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE37 68 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Bench Joinery | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE38 68 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Structural Post and Beam Carpentry | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE3A 68 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Light Structural Timber | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE3C 68 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Timber Frame Erection | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE3D 68 |
| SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Timber Decks and Cladding | Competence | 600/3463/4 | GE36 68 |
| SQA Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4601/6 | GE9F 60 |
| SQA Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4598/X | GE8D 60 |
| SQA Level 2 Diploma in Structural Carpentry (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4603/X | GE96 60 |
| SQA Level 2 Diploma in Shopfitting (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4555/3 | GE9E 60 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Structural Post and Beam Carpentry | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE16 79 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Site Carpentry | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE17 79 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Bench Joinery | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE18 79 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Wheelwrighting | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE19 79 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Shopfitting Site Work | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE1C 79 |
| SQA Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Wood Occupations (Construction) — Shopfitting Bench Work | Competence | 600/3395/2 | GE1D 79 |
| SQA Level 3 Diploma in Site Carpentry (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4620/X | GE9J 57 |
| SQA Level 3 Diploma in Bench Joinery (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4622/3 | GE8F 57 |
| SQA Level 3 Diploma in Shopfitting (Construction) | Knowledge | 600/4553/X | GE9H 57 |
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The competence-based qualifications are aimed at experienced workers in Wood Occupations (Construction Building and related trades), seeking to develop their competence and improve their skills and knowledge.
The knowledge-based qualifications are primarily aimed at apprentices in Wood Occupations (Construction Building and related trades), seeking to develop their skills and knowledge.
The qualifications are suitable for apprentices, and are registered on the framework in Construction Building (Wood Occupations) at Level 2 and Level 3.
These qualifications can lead to employment within the construction industry particularly through Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships.
They provide invaluable practical experience to learners who aspire to the more technical professions in Wood Occupations.
For learners aspiring to supervisory roles, the qualifications can also lead to supervisory qualifications including Occupational Work Supervision.
Information regarding the centre approval process is available from SQA's Business Development team.
The structure of these qualifications allows for a high degree of flexibility in assessment.
Direct evidence produced through normal performance in the workplace is the main source of assessment for the NVQ Certificates and Diplomas. This includes naturally occurring documentary evidence (hard copy and electronic), direct observation of activities, and witness testimony.
For all Units, assessment is based primarily on practical activities and, where possible, holistic assessment is encouraged — particularly the integration of assessment for the mandatory Units covering health and safety and efficient working practices with those covering job-specific activities. For example, erecting structural carcassing components and installing shop fronts and finishings.
The focus should be on assessing activities generated by the whole work experience rather than focusing on specific tasks, or individual Units.
Assessment of learners’ Knowledge and Understanding will be undertaken through practical assignments and questioning based activities undertaken in the training environment.
Holistic assessment is encouraged — particularly the integration of assessment for the mandatory Units with those covering job specific activities.
The focus should be on assessing activities generated across the training programme rather than focusing on specific tasks, or individual Units.
The full training specification for these qualifications is contained in the SQA Training and Assessment Programme (TAP) for Wood Occupations (Construction).
The structure of the qualifications allows for a high degree of flexibility in delivery. They are work-based qualifications normally achieved over a minimum period of 18 months.
The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, for example manufacturing routine wheelwrighting products.
Learners must complete a minimum of 36 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 117 guided learning hours.
The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, for example erecting timber walls and floors.
Learners must complete a minimum of 41 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 137 guided learning hours.
The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, for example manufacturing routine shopfitting products.
Learners must complete a minimum of 96 credits credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 321 guided learning hours.
The level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example installing first fixing components.
Learners must complete a minimum of 58 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 580 guided learning hours.
The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example operating woodmachining machinery and equipment.
Learners must complete a minimum of 60 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 600 guided learning hours.
The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example setting up and operating circular saws.
Learners must complete a minimum of 60 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 600 guided learning hours.
The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example installing shopfitting fitments..
Learners must complete a minimum of 61 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 610 guided learning hours.
The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example setting up and operating transportable cutting and shaping machines.
Learners must complete a minimum of 83 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 830 guided learning hours.
The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example manufacturing complex shaped product details.
Learners must complete a minimum of 112 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 1,120 guided learning hours.
The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example installing shopfronts and finishings.
Learners must complete a minimum of 140 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 1,400 guided learning hours.
Unit and Assessment Specifications and Assessment Guidance for these qualifications are available on SQA's Secure website. These are available from your centre's SQA co-ordinator. For further information, please contact mycentre@sqa.org.uk
Many construction contractors and clients insist that all workers on site hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to prove competence in their stated occupation and to show that they have relevant health and safety awareness. The CSCS cards for construction workers are based on their job, experience and qualifications, or membership of a professional body.
CSCS cards can be obtained through completion of construction-based Apprenticeship frameworks, by applicants providing copies of their fully indentured Apprenticeship papers gained through the provider of the Apprenticeship programme.