SVQ Food and Drink Operations SCQF level 6
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.
This qualification covers areas such as food safety at critical points, health, safety and environmental systems, maintaining product quality, energy efficiency, waste minimisation, water usage, process control of production, and leadership.
Developed by the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD), the sector skills council for the food and drink manufacturing sector, the SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SQF level 6 qualification is awarded by SQA in partnership with NSAFD, and SQA in partnership with Scottish Bakers.
This qualification must be assessed in the workplace, and is therefore only suitable for individuals employed in the food and drink industry. It is available through employers, further education and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
Upon successful completion, learners will gain an internationally-recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to carry out their role successfully. Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace which minimises any time that learners would need to be away from their work.
Candidates can progress to a range of vocational qualifications and to higher education.
The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:
- full-time
- part-time (such as day-release)
- open and distance learning.
The achievement of other qualifications within the food and drink suite may can contribute towards the successful completion of this award.
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- learners who may have just left school
- 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.
Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in/knowledge of the subject would be an advantage.
Progression
The level 6 award could provide progression to:
- degree level study at a higher education institution
- employment in the food and drink sector
Approval
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 (510 KB).
How to assess
For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Guidance on how to assess SVQs (523 KB). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the assessment strategy.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
The SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6 consists of 8 optional units.
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.
Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
Core Skills Signposting (77 KB)
Awarding partnership arrangements
GP1X 23 SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6 is jointly awarded with NSAFD.
GP3X 23 SVQ in Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6 is jointly awarded with Scottish Bakers.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessment Strategy (168 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
- Assessor's guidelines (0.96 MB)
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)