Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Winter Services (Construction)

SQA code: GK4E 68
Ofqual code: 601/5387/8
Total qualification time: 370 hours
Guided learning hours: 164 hours
Credit value: 37 credit points

The Diploma in Winter Services at Level 2 will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as clearing snow and preventing ice build-up on roads.

This qualification covers the following areas:

  • operating plant, machinery, equipment and vehicles to prevent, clear or reduce the impact of ice or snow
  • productive working practices
  • moving, handling and storing resources

This qualification is available through employers, training providers and colleges in England and Wales.

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Qualification rationale and objectives

Rationale and purpose of this qualification

This qualification is aimed at those who are in work and are looking for recognition of their prior learning and experience.

Its primary purpose is to confirm the learner’s occupational competence as a snowplough/gritter operator. As a work-related, competence-based qualification it provides confirmation to employers, industry managers and card schemes that the learner has the skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised standard to carry out the role.

Learners who achieve this qualification can use it to gain employment, to progress in the industry, or to work towards another qualification (see Progression).

Objectives

The qualification is designed to meet the following objectives:

  • supporting a role in the workplace
  • confirming knowledge, understanding and skills
  • providing access to a relevant card scheme

Recognition

CSCS provides a registration card scheme acknowledged by industry for those involved in winter services. The scheme recognises skills, knowledge and understanding, competence and qualifications.

What does this qualification cover?

As this is a competence-based qualification, learners will be acquiring the knowledge and skills required through either on-the-job experience or in a learning environment.

To achieve the whole qualification, learners need a minimum of 37 credits. They must complete four mandatory units.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for:

  • workers who need the qualification to meet legislative requirements
  • workers wishing to progress into a supervisory position
  • learners who have completed a qualification in a relevant discipline at level 
  • people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • individuals who wish to start their own business
  • school and college students with a part-time job that enables them to develop the appropriate skills in the workplace
  • full-time and part-time study

There are no specific skills, knowledge understanding or any other qualifications that must be achieved in order to start this qualification, however learners must have the potential and opportunity to gain this qualification successfully.

This qualification is mainly taken by individuals who are employed or are seeking employment as snowplough or gritter operators.

Progression

Learners may progress from the Level 2 in Winter Services to supervisory qualifications such as:

600/3377/0 (GE1Y 79) Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

What approvals are needed?

General

Centres must 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.

Where can you take this course

Qualification content and delivery tools

Qualification structure

The qualification requires the learner to complete four mandatory units (credit value 37)

Please refer to the qualification structure (60 KB) for more information.

 

Unit specifications

Unit specifications for this qualification are available on the Unit search.

How to assess

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Each unit specification gives detailed information on the assessment criteria, assessment (evidence) requirements and guidance on instruments of assessment for the unit.

The qualification is assessed by completing a portfolio of evidence which details what the learner has completed at work. This can be gathered through observation, professional discussion, witness testimony or supporting documentary evidence. The assessor can work alongside the learner to confirm that they have met the requirements of the qualification and that they are therefore competent in their role.

Competence is displayed through the assessor observing the learner demonstrate that they can carry out their normal work activities competently and to the industry standard in compliance with current legislation and company procedures.

The assessment process will ensure that the learner can complete the tasks that they have been directed to undertake and that they can interpret the instructions correctly. They will demonstrate that they can select the appropriate resources for the tasks and can complete them within the given timescales and specifications.

Learner portfolio

Assessment strategy/principle