Waste Operations: Waste Collection Driver
The Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Waste Operations have been developed by Energy and Utility Skills and are awarded jointly in Scotland by SQA and the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB).
Waste Operations: Waste Collection Driver provides the skills needed for employment in the waste management sector as a driver of a refuse collection vehicle. It is ideal for people who are seeking work in the waste industry and for those already working in the sector who wish to prove their competence.
This qualification is available through employers, colleges or training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
The Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan states that: ‘‘Zero Waste Scotland will develop a programme to support continual improvement in health and safety and workforce skills in the resource management sector’. These SVQs are a key part of the plan, providing and certifying the skills and knowledge of the workforce.
The SVQ 2s in Waste Operations are very flexible qualifications that can be tailored to meet an organisation’s requirements. There are five distinct pathways.
- Waste Collection Operative
- Waste Collection Driver
- Waste Site Operative
- Waste Team Leader
- Waste Weighbridge Operator
The SVQ 2 in Waste Operations: Waste Collection Operative at SCQF level 5 can be offered:
- full-time
- part-time (eg day-release)
- as on-the-job training
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- people of all ages at any stage in their career
- anyone employed as a driver of a refuse collection vehicle and who is involved in the loading and unloading of material
Employed candidates may be working for local authorities, waste management organisations or third sector organisations in Scotland.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although knowledge or experience of waste management would be an advantage.
Progression
This SVQ 2 could provide progression to:
- An HNC/HND in subject or related area, for example, Sustainable Resource Management
- SVQ3 Waste Supervisory Management (GF9M 23)
- Diplomas in Waste Management Operations
- Employment in the waste management sector, perhaps as a waste collection/refuse operator
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
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.
How to assess
Assessment may involve a range of assessment methods. The methods of assessment used should generate sufficient evidence to demonstrate the candidate’s competence. They could include:
- observation (by the assessor)
- questions and candidate responses
- personal statement (produced by the candidate)
- witness testimony
- product evidence
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
The SVQ 2 Waste Operations: Waste Collection Driver at SCQF level 5 consists of seven mandatory Units and three optional Units.
For further information on the structure of this qualification please refer to the Qualification Structure (148 KB)
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Awarding partnership arrangements
Modern Apprenticeships
This SVQ 2 is part of a Modern Apprenticeship in Sustainable Resource Management.
- GF9H 22 SVQ 2 in Waste Operations: Waste Collection Operative Competency
- GF9J 22 SVQ 2 in Waste Operations: Waste Site Operative Competency
- GF9L 22 SVQ 2 in Waste Operations: Waste Weighbridge Competency
- GF9K 22 SVQ 2 in Waste Operations: Waste Team Leader Competency
- GG33 45 SCQF Level 5 Certificate in Principles of Sustainable Resource Management Knowledge
| Unit title | SCQF 5 |
|---|---|
| Core Skills: Communication | F427 04 |
| Core Skills: Numeracy | F42B 04 |
| Core Skills: Information and Communication Technology | F42F 04 |
| Core Skills: Problem Solving | F42K 04 |
| Core Skills: Working with Others | F42P 04 |
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
- General Assessment Strategy (421 KB)
- WasteSector Assessment Strategy (EU Skills) (305 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
