Raising standards to protect homeowners
How our NVQ programmes work
Quick navigation
- Introduction
- Proving competence
- Registration
- Making a good start
- Getting on with it
- Employer support
- Training and development
- Certification
- Professional recognition
- Useful links
- Contacts
Introduction
The key purpose of our NVQ qualification programmes is to provide development and assessment leading to a nationally recognised qualification for industry practitioners.
Each NVQ is based on National Occupational Standards and supported by one-to-one coaching from a qualified assessor with, in some cases, additional off-site training arranged if required.
Our experience in providing a carefully structured programme for learners shows that it leads to more competent people who are better able to understand, and meet the needs of their employer and the clients for whom they work.
The process involves the development and assessment of skills, knowledge and understanding that combine to prove competence.
On successfully completing an NVQ learners will have demonstrated competence in a broad range of construction related activities. The specific competence demonstrated will vary depending on the NVQ undertaken.
All NVQs now attract credits within the QCF. These credits can be used towards further education and aid recognition of life long learning.
Proving competence
Our NVQ programmes allow learners to demonstrate competence in their place of work. Evidence of knowledge and performance is placed in a portfolio which is then assessed by an approved assessor. A piece of evidence may be used to demonstrate competence in more than one unit allowing a more holistic approach to assessment practice and planning.
NHBC offer a range of assessment methods which include direct observation, professional discussion, witness testimony, questioning, use of naturally occurring evidence and signposting from the workplace. Learners, with help from their allocated assessor prepare a portfolio of authentic, valid, current and sufficient evidence. We expect most NVQs to take approximately 12 months at all levels although this can be achieved earlier if required. A learner can expect to have one face-to-face induction which includes profiling to ensure suitability to the award and a review and recognition of any prior learning (RPL). A minimum of two further workplace visits are offered with continuous on-line assessment and feedback available through our e-portfolio system.
Registration
There are no formal entry requirements for any level NVQ (subject to eligibility criteria if applying for SFA funding**) other than learners must be working at that specific level and occupation.
Learners and their employers should complete the application form(s) in the application pack and return to us.
After we have processed the application, the learners' local assessor will arrange their 'Induction and Briefing'. After induction, learners will be registered with the Awarding Organisation for the NVQ selected.
**See the application pack for full details.
Making a good start
It is really important to get off to a good start. Learners should:
- attend the induction, as it is an opportunity to meet their assessor face-to-face, and to fully understand how the programme works as well as their responsibilities and commitment
- complete self assessment of their current role against the NVQ chosen (supported by the assessor). In many cases there is more than one 'route' to the NVQ. This has been done in recognition that the range of duties with the same job role differ from company-to-company and to therefore ensure that the NVQs are relevant to as broad a range of variation as possible. The assessor works with the candidate to ensure they are registered on the correct NVQ, help ensure that the correct route has been selected and help them select the most appropriate optional units.
Getting on with it
Learners agree action plans with their assessor and are given feedback and guidance regarding the steps to be taken in order to successfully complete the programme within the standard fee period.
Whatever assessment method is chosen it is also very important that learners keep in touch with their allocated assessor on a regular basis. Our experience shows that learners who make good progress and meet their action plans are the most successful.
Employer support
We are often asked by employers, 'What can I do to help my NVQ learner?'. A briefing event can be arranged with senior managers to outline the support that we recommend from them and to talk through the progress monitoring procedure.
However, the most important help that employers can provide is to take an interest in staff as they progress through their NVQ.
Training and development
An induction is included in all programmes. Assessors support learners at every stage of the programme by providing group or one-to-one coaching as appropriate. In addition NHBC offers a range of training courses that can contribute to the development of underpinning knowledge and understanding.
Courses cover:
- Construction standards and good practice
- Technical and sustainability
- Supervisory and management
- Sales and customer service.
Details can be found here (The Learning Hub)
We strongly encourage all our learners to participate and commit to life-long 'Continuing Professional Development', whether regularly attending training courses, reading trade journals, or other methods for keeping their skills and knowledge up to date.
Certification
The process for certification is:
- learners and assessor sign and date the NVQ completion declaration form
- assessor forwards declaration to office for processing
- declaration is checked by quality control (internal verification)
- certification applied for directly with the Awarding Organisation
- certificate posted to learner
Please note this process normally takes three to four weeks, but can take up to 10 weeks depending on factors that are outside the control of NHBC Training Services.
Professional recognition for NVQs
Upon receipt of their NVQ, learners can apply to be admitted to an appropriate class of membership with a number of professional bodies as shown below:
| CIOB | RICS | ABE | CIAT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVQ Level 3 | Associate | TechRICS | Student | Student |
| NVQ Level 6 | Incorporated | TechRICS | Associate | Associate |
| NVQ Level 7 | Member | Member |
Please treat this guide as indicative only. You should contact the appropriate professional body for their full membership requirement details.
| Chartered Institute of Building | CIOB website | 01344 630700 |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors | RICS website | 0870 3331600 |
| Association of Building Engineers | ABE website | 0845 1261058 |
| Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists | CIAT website | 0207 278 2206 |
| Institute of Carpenters | Institute website | 0207 256 2700 |
| Guild of Bricklayers | Guild website | 01623 554582 |
Useful links
National Association of Estate Agents
Contact us
Please call 0844 633 1000 and say 'Training Services', or email: nvqs@nhbc.co.uk.
NHBC Training Services
NHBC House
Davy Avenue
Knowlhill
Milton Keynes
Bucks, MK5 8FP
Tel: 0844 633 1000
Paulette Strong - Qualification Programmes Co-ordinator
Dave Towell - Project Manager
Geoff Mann - Qualifications Manager