Building a career with NVQs
A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) is a practical way to gain a nationally recognised qualification based on competence in role.
NHBC offers NVQs from Levels 3 to 7 in a range of subjects including construction site management, site inspection and contract operations. NHBC is proud to offer qualifications that support individual career progression and meet the needs of home builders.
Matt completed his first NVQ with Barratt Homes in 2017. This was a Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision followed by a Level 6 in Senior Site Management in 2020. This led on to him completing his Level 7 Diploma in Construction Senior Management in October 2026.
Matt said “I really enjoy working in construction and knew it was the industry I wanted work in from day one. Moving through the levels of NVQs has given me the chance to keep learning new things while working in an industry I love. For the Level 7 I found the perspective it gives you on the whole journey of a project invaluable, from the technical and commercial aspects through to Cost Value Reconciliation (CVRs), it really brings everything together and will help me take the next steps in my career.”
The benefits of NVQs
NVQs are an excellent practical route into work and a great way to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
An NVQ allows you to evidence work-based learning and confirms the practical skills used in your day-to-day job. And, thanks to the different levels available, they support both employability and clear career progression.
We asked Matt if he had found any aspects of the Level 7 NVQ challenging, he explained “Sites are always busy, so time management is very important when you are doing your day job and completing an NVQ as well. I found looking forward and being aware of when I would need information from other areas of the business to be key. You’ve got to allow enough time for people to come back to you, leaving things until the last minute and not carefully planning things isn’t an option – just like with site management!”
We also asked Matt about if he would recommend a career in construction to others, he said “Yes, 100%. Not only are their lots of benefits to a career in home building, but there’s also a rewarding future in the industry thanks to the opportunities to keep learning new skills and the variety of routes for career progression. I feel strongly that the opportunities in construction are not talked about enough, especially at a time when we need more people to join trades or risk losing vital skills. So yes, I would encourage anyone to consider this industry and I would urge young people to learn a trade and see where it can take you!”
Looking ahead
Matt has now achieved his NVQ Level 7, the equivalent of a master’s degree and looks forward to continuing his career in construction.
Steve Cartwright, Construction Director at Barratt Homes, said “We are all proud of Matt’s achievement and it is great to see someone move through the NVQ levels as they progress in their career. He’s a great example of hard work, willingness to learn and applying this knowledge on site. The construction industry is one where there’s plenty of opportunities; people can join with one skill or trade and, if they want to, continue to keep learning and develop themselves to move into different roles and take on new responsibilities.”
