Description

What is the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations?

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations is a flexible work-based qualification designed to formally recognise the skills and knowledge of those working as steel fixers.

This NVQ is comprised of several mandatory units and some optional units, allowing candidates to tailor the qualification to their role.

The mandatory units cover general health and safety, productive working practices, and moving, handling, and storing resources.

This qualification’s optional units are:

• Cutting and bending reinforcement steel to shape in the workplace.
• Fixing steel in situ in the workplace.
• Prefabricating reinforcement steel sections in the workplace.

Applicants must take all the mandatory units and select the two optional units most relevant to the work they carry out in their role.

Who is this qualification for?

The aim of this qualification is to recognise the knowledge skills and competence demonstrated by an individual in the workplace. This Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Steel fixing Occupations provides the opportunity for Individuals who specialise in steel fixing to demonstrate their competence. The units in this qualification are derived from National Occupational Standards.

The Rule of Combination (RoC) below specifies the combination of units that need to be achieved for the individual to be awarded the qualification.

Mandatory Units

QCF641 – Conforming to General Health Safety and Welfare in the Workplace.

Comply with all workplace health safety and welfare legislation requirements. Recognise hazards associated with the workplace that have not been previously controlled and report them in accordance with organisational procedures. Comply with organisational policies and procedures to contribute to health safety and welfare. Work responsibly to contribute to workplace health safety and welfare whilst carrying out work in the relevant occupational area. Comply with and support all organisational security arrangements and approved procedures.

QCF642 – Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace

Communicate with others to establish productive work practices. Follow organisational procedures to plan the sequence of work. Maintain relevant records in accordance with the organisational procedures. Maintain good working relationships when conforming to productive working practices.

QCF643 – Moving Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace

Comply with given information when moving handling and/or storing resources. Know how to comply with relevant legislation and official guidance when moving handling and/or storing resources. Maintain safe working practices when moving handling and/or storing resources. Select the required quantity and quality of resources for the methods of work to move handle and/or store occupational resources. Prevent the risk of damage to occupational resources and surrounding environment when moving handling and/or storing resources. Complete the work within the allocated time when moving handling and/or storing resources. Comply with the given occupational resource information to move handle and/or store resources to the required guidance.

Optional Units

QCF166v2 – Cutting and Bending Reinforcement Steel to Shape in the Workplace

Interpret the given information relating to the work and resources when cutting and bending reinforcement steel. Know how to comply with relevant legislation and official guidance when cutting and bending reinforcement steel. Maintain safe and healthy working practices when cutting and bending reinforcement steel. Select the required quantity and quality of resources for the methods of work to cut and bend reinforcement steel. Minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area when cutting and bending reinforcement steel. Complete the work within the allocated time when cutting and bending reinforcement steel. Comply with the given contract information to cut and bend reinforcement steel to the required specification.

QCF534v2 – Fixing Steel in Situ in the Workplace

Interpret the given information relating to the work and resources when fixing steel in situ Know how to comply with relevant legislation and official guidance when fixing steel in situ. Maintain safe and healthy working practices when fixing steel in situ. Select the required quantity and quality of resources for the methods of work to fix steel in situ. Minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area when fixing steel in situ. Complete the work within the allocated time when fixing steel in situ. Comply with the given contract information to fix steel in situ to the required specification.

QCF535v2 – Prefabricating Reinforcement Steel Sections in the Workplace

Interpret the given information relating to the work and resources when prefabricating reinforcement steel sections. Know how to comply with relevant legislation and official guidance when prefabricating reinforcement steel sections. Maintain safe and healthy working practices when prefabricating reinforcement steel sections. Select the required quantity and quality of resources for the methods of work to prefabricate reinforcement steel sections. Minimise the risk of damage to the work and surrounding area when prefabricating reinforcement steel sections. Complete the work within the allocated time when prefabricating reinforcement steel sections. Comply with the given contract information to prefabricate reinforcement steel sections to the required specification.

Who would benefit from taking the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations?

Most people who work as steel fixers learn their skills on the job rather than with formal training and so may not have any relevant qualifications to their name.

This level 2 NVQ provides steel fixers with proof of their competence in carrying out their role to nationally recognised standards.

Many people take the qualification so that upon completion they can apply for their Blue CSCS card.

Whilst CSCS are not legal requirements, most construction sites will expect employees to be certified to a certain level before they are allowed to work on-site.

Completing this NVQ can also be an effective way of brushing up on and consolidating your skills and knowledge of steel fixing best practice and legislation.

What are the entry requirements?

To take the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations you should be employed in a role where you work as a steel fixer.

This is a work-based qualification where applicants must provide proof of their competence in the course’s criteria, therefore they should already have skills and experience in a steel fixing occupation.

There are however no formal qualifications that are required to apply to take this course.

How long does it take to complete and what does the course involve?

The level 2 NVQ in Steel Fixing Occupations should be completed by the applicant at work alongside their job as a steel fixer. It does not require any time out of work to attend training or exams.

The individual will receive detailed information about the qualification’s assessment criteria. They must then use this information to gather proof or evidence of their competence in each of the criteria.

This evidence may come in a variety of forms, including question and answer sheets, witness testimonies, records of conversations, reports, or video documentary. All of this evidence must be compiled into a portfolio to be submitted to the exam board upon completion.

There is no set timescale for completing this NVQ as individuals work at their own pace. In most cases, the qualification can be completed in 6-12 months, but this depends on how much time is dedicated to it.

How is the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations assessed?

You will be assigned an assessor when you sign up for the NVQ. Your assessor is there to work with you to ensure that you are meeting the requirements of the qualification. They are available to answer any questions you may have and to help you with gathering the evidence required.

Most of your communications with your assessor will take place by telephone or email, but they may also come and visit you in your workplace to observe you in your role.

Once you and your assessor are happy that your portfolio is complete, you will submit it to the exam board for assessment.

You will then either be confirmed occupationally competent or marked as not yet competent.

What will you gain from this qualification?

Completing this qualification can help to bolster an individual’s confidence in their role as well as providing them with formal recognition of their skill working in steel fixing.

The qualification is supported by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and completion of this level 2 NVQ provides a gateway to apply for a CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card.

Being able to add both the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations qualification and CSCS Skilled Worker construction industry certification to your CV can help to improve your employability and further your career in steel fixing occupations.

Once you have completed this level 2 qualification, you may even wish to go on to further your knowledge and complete another NVQ at a higher level.