SVQ Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) SCQF level 6

The SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills) at SCQF level 6 is a new addition to the suite of SVQs for Food and Drink Operations and complements the SVQ in Food and Drink Operations (Fish and Shellfish Processing Skills) at SCQF level 6. It is designed specifically to meet the skills needs of the growing fish processing sector and recognises the growing needs of retailers for staff trained in technical and quality roles in this sector to enable them to increase their competitiveness in this market.

Due to the practical, competence-based nature of this qualification, it must be delivered in the workplace or real work environment. Simulation is not permitted under the assessment strategy. It may be delivered full-time or part-time.

The achievement of other awards in the Food and Drink sector such as the NPA in Food Manufacture at SCQF level 6, Health and Food Technology at National 4/5 or SVQ in Food Preparation may contribute towards the knowledge and understanding required by this SVQ.

This SVQ is suitable for:

• individuals who are employed in the food sector and wish to develop the skills required to work at supervisory level within the fish and shellfish sector
• individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
• employees who wish to obtain short, continuing professional development courses

Access

• Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
• No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in/knowledge of fish and shellfish production processes would be an advantage.
• Given the practical nature of this qualification, and that it must be assessed in the workplace, it is only suitable for those who are employed or are in work placement in the food industry.

The SVQ at SCQF 6 could provide progression to:

• an HNC in Food Science and Technology at SCQF level 7 or a management qualification
• degree level study in a related discipline
• employment in the sector at supervisory/management level
• there may also be lateral progression to the SVQs in Aquaculture.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Guidance on how to assess SVQs.   For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the assessment strategy.