We are approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and City & Guilds. If you complete a qualification with us, you will receive a certificate from the awarding body as evidence that you have achieved a nationally recognised qualification.
Whether you are starting or developing your career in the construction industry there are various routes to follow, depending on your own experience and what you aim to do after your training.
We have explained the main options below but just get in touch if you have any questions or want to discuss your own circumstances.
NVQ/SVQ
These are a ‘vocational’ qualification which means you will already have experience and will be assessed ‘on the job’. They are qualifications obtained by tradesmen to demonstrate their existing knowledge and skills.
If you are starting out, you can complete another course (see below) and obtain an NVQ/SVQ when you have gained experience.
We can discuss your experience with you to see if you are eligible. You would then attend the centre at the start to complete an induction with one of our assessors. We would then visit you around three times to asses you working and complete your portfolio of evidence.
It is not necessary to have an NVQ/SVQ to work in the industry unless you want to work on certain construction sites where this is a requirement.
When registered for and working towards an NVQ/SVQ you can obtain an ‘experienced worker’ CSCS card https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/experienced-worker/
Diploma
This is a formal qualification and is ideal if you want to begin a new career or develop and progress in your career. It allows you to learn, develop and practice the skills required for employment and/or career progression.
After completing the Diploma, you may want to progress onto the NVQ/SVQ at a later date and you can also complete that with us.
The Diploma is a comprehensive course lasting 6 weeks (although it can be taken over a longer period of time e.g. 3 x 2 week blocks).
We provide all the materials you need including the official City & Guilds reference book, which guides you through the course while you build up your portfolio. All of the practical training and assessment is carried out in the centre allowing you to complete the qualification without delay and with our full support.
Shorter courses – 4 and 2 week
These are intensive practical courses where you will learn and practice your skills in our centre (see the individual course pages on this website for course content).
On these courses you can obtain the City & Guilds 6219 qualification which provides an ideal introduction to the construction industry and covers essential skills in either plastering, wall and floor tiling or plumbing. No previous knowledge or experience is needed.
After completing your training and becoming more experienced you may want to progress onto the NVQ/SVQ at a later date.
Professional Development Awards
These are very comprehensive courses suitable for beginners and anyone who wants to retrain. They are also suitable for continuing professional development. They involve around 12 weeks training with us with some home study. The PDA has been developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in partnership with employers and industry. The course will help employers meet skills gaps and can also be completed by those who wish to gain employment in the sector.