SVQ Spirits Operations SCQF level 6

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Spirits 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, Health, Safety and Environmental Systems, Product Quality, Operate Control Systems, Site Security, Malting, Milling, Mashing, Fermentation, Distilling, Flavouring and Cask Filling.

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 Spirits Operations at SCQF level 6 qualification is awarded by SQA in partnership with NSAFD.

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 and further education and training providers.

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.

As 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 degree level study at a higher education institution or employment in the food and drink sector.

The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:

  • full-time
  • part-time (eg day release)
  • open and distance learning

The achievement of other qualifications within the food and drink suite may 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 allows 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 are required 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

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). 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 Spirits Operations at SCQF level 6 consists of 3 mandatory units and 5 optional units.

For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (108 KB).

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.

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Assessor's guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio