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Plastering (Construction)

Plastering (Construction)
SQA’s portfolio of QCF qualifications in Plastering includes both competence- and knowledge-based qualifications at QCF Levels 2 and 3.  The relevant SQA codes are detailed below.
 
The NVQ 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 Diplomas are based on the National Occupational Standards for Plastering 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 Diploma in Plastering: Solid — Basic Competence 600/3446/4 GE0W 68
SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plastering: Solid — Full Competence 600/3446/4 GE0Y 68
SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plastering: Fibrous — Basic Competence 600/3446/4 GE10 68
SQA Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plastering: Fibrous — Full Competence 600/3446/4 GE11 68
SQA Level 2 Diploma in Plastering (Construction) Knowledge 600/4673/9 GE98 60
       
SQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering (Construction) — Solid Plastering Competence 600/3461/0 GE20 79
SQA Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering (Construction) — Fibrous Plastering Competence 600/3461/0 GE21 79
SQA Level 3 Diploma in Plastering (Construction) Knowledge 600/4674/0 GE9A 57

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Who does this qualification suit

The competence-based qualifications are aimed at experienced workers in Plastering (Construction Specialist and related trades), seeking to develop their competence and improve their skills and knowledge.

The knowledge-based qualifications are primarily aimed at apprentices in Plastering (Construction Specialist 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 Specialist (Plastering) at Level 2 and Level 3.

Progression

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 Plastering.

For learners aspiring to undertake supervisory roles, the qualifications can also lead to supervisory qualifications including Occupational Work Supervision.

Approval

Information regarding the centre approval process is available from SQA's Business Development team.

How to assess

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. For both the Level 2 and 3 Diplomas activities include: installing direct bond dry linings and installing mechanically fixed plasterboard.

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

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 covering health and safety, productive working practices.

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 Plastering (Construction).

 

Qualification content and delivery tools

Structure

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 Plastering (Construction)

The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, ranging from applying finishing plaster to background surfaces, to installing direct-bond dry linings and producing external solid-render finishes.

Learners must complete a minimum of 37 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 124 guided learning hours.

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

The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks, ranging from producing complex internal solid plastering to producing complex plasterwork moulds.

Learners must complete a minimum of 92 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 307 guided learning hours.

SQA Level 2 (knowledge-based) Diploma in Plastering (Construction)

The Level 2 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example applying finishing plaster to background surfaces.

Learners must complete a minimum of 76 credits drawn from mandatory Units and optional Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 760 guided learning hours.

SQA Level 3 (knowledge-based) Diploma in Plastering (Construction)

The Level 3 Diploma involves practical work-related tasks and the underpinning knowledge required to undertake them effectively, for example producing solid plastering finishes.

Learners must complete a minimum of 111 credits drawn from mandatory Units. On completion, the learner will have achieved a minimum of 1,110 guided learning hours.

Arrangements Documents

Learner Guidance & Portfolio

Unit and Assessment Specifications / Assessment Guidance

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

Any other information

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.