Plant Maintenance (Construction)

The competence-based qualifications are aimed at experienced workers in Plant Maintenance (Civil Engineering and related trades), seeking to develop their competence and improve their skills and knowledge.

The knowledge-based qualifications are primarily aimed at apprentices in Plant Maintenance (Civil Engineering and related trades), seeking to develop their skills and knowledge.

The qualifications are suitable for apprentices, and are registered on the Apprenticeship framework in Construction Civil Engineering (Plant Maintenance) 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 Plant Maintenance.

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.

Competence-based Diploma

Direct evidence produced through normal performance in the workplace is the main source of assessment for the NVQ 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. Level 2 activities include: dismantling and assembling plant and equipment components and moving plant-related loads by manual lifting, and using manually operated load-handling equipment. Level 3 activities include: diagnosing and determining the cause of faults and problems on plant and equipment, and installing plant or equipment for operational activities.

The focus should be on assessing activities generated by the whole work experience rather than focusing on specific tasks, or individual Units.

Knowledge-based Diploma

Learners’ Knowledge and Understanding will be assessed through practical assignments and question-based activities in the training environment. Holistic assessment is encouraged — particularly the integration of assessment for the mandatory Units with those covering job-specific activities: at Level 2 — health and safety, moving loads, and servicing and maintaining plant; at Level 3 — controlling the use of resources, co-ordinating plant maintenance activities and moving loads.

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 this qualification is contained in the SQA Training and Assessment Programme (TAP) for Plant Maintenance (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.

SQA Level 2 NVQ (competence-based) Diploma in Plant Maintenance (Construction)

The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, ranging from carrying out routine inspections on plant and equipment to ensuring operational serviceability, to repairing plant equipment by soldering and welding ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

Learners must complete 95 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 316 guided learning hours.

SQA Level 3 NVQ (competence-based) Diploma in Plant Maintenance (Construction)

The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, ranging from conducting tests and analysing results on plant and equipment following repairs, to providing technical information and advice to users of plant and equipment.

Learners need to complete a minimum of 115 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 385 guided learning hours.

SQA Level 2 (knowledge-based) Diploma in Plant Maintenance (Construction)

The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, including: removing and replacing components, workshop practice, carrying out tests on equipment and inspecting and diagnosing faults.

Learners need to complete a minimum of 70 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 700 guided learning hours.

SQA Level 3 (knowledge based) Diploma in Plant Maintenance (Construction)

The Level 3 Diploma involves practical, work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, including: diagnosing and rectifying faults, fabricating components and co-ordinating plant maintenance activities.

Learners need to complete a minimum of 103 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 1030 guided learning hours.

• SQA Level 2 Diploma in Plant Maintenance (291 KB)
• SQA Level 3 Diploma in Plant Maintenance (300 KB)

• Learning Guidance and Portfolio (564 KB)

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