NVQs

A partnership was initiated by SAPCA with SkillsActive, EdExcel and South Birmingham College to develop a National Occupational Standard for the installation and maintenance of sports and play surfaces in the UK.

Since the launch of the Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Sport and Play Surfaces in October 2008, over 300 candidates from the industry have gained the qualification. The NVQ is delivered by South Birmingham College with workplace examinations assessing the candidate's skill level and on-site competence.

Who is the qualification for?

It has been designed for those involved in the installation and maintenance of sport and play surfaces at an operational level.

How much will it cost?

Currently government funding can be obtained making the qualification free of charge. It is provided through "train to gain" by which certain requirements need to be met.

How does the qualification work and how long will it take?

With it being a one-on-one work based qualification, it has a very flexible delivery with the timescale being dictated by the candidate. The course consists of three mandatory units and three options units. The qualification is assessed at a mutually convenient time for the learner, the employer and the assessor.

What can I do after this qualification?

The NVQ will become the recognised qualification within the sport and play construction industry. It will demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the industry and illustrate levels of competency. The qualification is supported by key sports governing bodies who will increasingly expect projects that they fund to be constructed by contractors who employ qualified operatives.

Future Developments

Work is also underway on the development of a NVQ Level 3 to be launched in 2012 . As well as providing some fundamental management units, the level 3 qualification will focus on the specialist skills that are essential to the sports and play surfacing industry, such as installation of synthetic turf, polymeric and acrylic surfaces.