Health & Safety and Construction NVQs

NVQ is the abbreviation of National Vocational Qualification. These qualifications present individuals with an alternative qualification route to the traditional academic examination-based pathways. They are unique as they do not involve exams, coursework, or classroom attendance. Instead, they are gained solely by submitting evidence of work-related experience.

This approach can be attractive to health and safety professionals or construction managers who have gained management-level career progression based on practical experience rather than prior academic achievement.

An example criterion within the Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice qualification is that the candidate must have experience developing health and safety procedures. To evidence this, the candidate could upload procedure documents that they have created. They could also provide a reflective account of how they delivered upon this within a health and safety role. Alternatively, the assessor could visit the candidate’s workplace to witness them developing and implementing health and safety procedures within the work environment.

An NVQ is typically the qualification of choice for busy individuals seeking formal recognition for the level at which they are working.

The NVQ route accommodates flexible time input as it is not reliant on classroom-based attendance. Instead, candidates can work at their own pace. Work may take place out of hours using an online learning portal to submit work-related evidence. The portal also facilitates communication between the candidate and their designated assessor.

It may also be the qualification of choice for those individuals who struggle with traditional assessment methods such as written exams or coursework submissions.

There is a significant offering of National Vocational Qualifications, ranging from level 3 NVQ certificates to the prestigious Level 6 NVQ Diplomas.

Related: Construction Health and Safety Training

This qualification is aimed at candidates working at health and safety officer or advisor level within an organisation, usually under the guidance of a more senior health and safety manager. It is considered an alternative to the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. Typically, candidates will have completed a foundation-level health and safety course such as an IOSH Managing Safely.

An upgrade on the old City and Guilds Level 3 NVQ, this qualification is aimed at construction site supervisors or mid-managers who typically assist or aid the site manager. It is perfect for those individuals who may have progressed into such positions based on experience, perhaps having prior worked as a tradesman or tradesperson. Common trades that move into site supervisory or manager level roles within the work environment include bricklayers and joiners.

The qualification has several mandatory units which the candidate must complete. Followed by optional units specific to the area of construction in which the supervisor works.

This qualification meets CSR and CSCS mandatory NVQ prerequisite for undertaking the site safety supervisors’ course, which on successful completion gains the gold card or gold supervisors’ card.

This qualification is aimed at construction site managers. It is perfect for those individuals who may have progressed into such positions based on experience, perhaps having prior worked as a tradesman or tradesperson. Common trades that may move into site manager-level roles include bricklayers and joiners.

The qualification has several mandatory units which the candidate must complete. Followed by optional units specific to the area of construction in which the manager works.

This qualification meets CSR and CSCS mandatory NVQ prerequisites for the platinum managers card course.

This qualification is one of the most popular NVQ offerings and is undertaken by health and safety professionals spanning Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.

The Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety qualification is aimed at:

• Those involved in the practical application and management of health and safety, i.e., health and safety managers
• Those who have an autonomous role in their organisation for managing health and safety policy and practice
• Those who report directly to or be part of the senior safety management team
• Those who implement changes relevant to their role within the work environment
• Those who are aware of cost implications and budgetary control

It is appropriate for learners from various sectors, including energy, oil & gas, retail, corporate business, and construction.

Developed in partnership with IOSH, this level 6 NVQ is now the highest-level competence-based qualification in Health & Safety and is comparable to a bachelor’s degree. It is of equal standing and an alternative qualification route to the NEBOSH Diploma and NCRQ Level 6 Diploma in occupational health and safety. Like these courses, it also meets the academic requirements for Graduate Membership of IOSH. With additional experience and initial professional development, those who get the diploma can also attain Chartered Safety Practitioner status.

All our National Vocational Qualifications are regulated and certified by the highly recognised ProQual awarding body. Previously, this was City and Guilds; however, ProQual revamped and upgraded the old City Guilds Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice to Level 6 status, making them our awarding body of choice.