Description

What is the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations?

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations is a flexible, work-based qualification designed to formally recognise the skills and experience of those already working in a wood occupation role such as a carpenter or joiner.

This qualification is comprised of three mandatory units and six optional units, allowing learners to tailor the course to their individual skillset and experience.

Mandatory units include moving, handling, and storing resources in the workplace, productive working practices, and general health and safety when working in a wood occupation.

The optional units include non-structural carpentry work, installing first or second fixing components, and installing fire-resistant timber doors.

Candidates should select the optional units that are most relevant to their role to gain the minimum credit value required to complete the qualification.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is aimed at those who have responsibility for carrying out work in construction-related wood occupations in the workplace and onsite. Because of the wide range of wood occupations, it is not expected that all candidates will carry out the same activities; the qualification is structured to ensure that there is a high degree of flexibility within the units available, there are 6 pathways to cover a range of tasks that come under the following broad headings: site carpentry, bench joinery, structural post and beam carpentry, light structural timber framing, timber frame erection and timber decks and cladding. All work must be completed following industry recognised safe working practices and in accordance with relevant legislation. This qualification is at Level 2, although some units may be at different levels and should be taken by those who are fully trained to deal with routine assignments. Candidates should require minimum supervision in undertaking the job. The qualification has been developed in a way to allow employees from companies of all sizes and specialisms equal opportunity to complete.

Completion of this NVQ will allow you to apply for a Blue CSCS Trade card.

Mandatory Units (All to be completed)

• J/503/1169 Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace
• A/503/1170 Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
• F/503/1171 Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace

Pathway 1 (site carpentry) (Min 3 Units Required)

• K/503/3402 Installing First Fixing Components in the Workplace
• T/503/3404 Installing Second Fixing Components in the Workplace
• M/503/2641 Erecting Structural Carcassing Components in the Workplace
• T/503/2642 Maintaining Non-structural Carpentry Work in the Workplace
• D/503/2408 Setting Up and Using Transportable Cutting and Shaping Machines in the Workplace

Pathway 2 (Architectural Joinery) Mandatory

• A/506/4976 Manufacturing routine architectural joinery products in the workplace

Pathway 2 Optional Units

• F/503/2644 Producing Setting Out Details for Routine Bench/Architectural Joinery Products in the Workplace
• D/503/2649 Marking Out from Setting Out Details for Routine Bench/Architectural Joinery Products in the Workplace
• D/503/2408 Setting Up and Using Transportable Cutting and Shaping Machines in the Workplace

Pathway 3 (Structural post and Beam Carpentry) Mandatory

• K/503/2721 Setting Out Timber Framework in the Workplace
• J/503/2726 Fabricating Timber Framework in the Workplace
• R/503/2731 Assembling and Erecting Heavy Timber Framework – Post and Beam in the Workplace

Pathway 4 (Light structural timber framing) Mandatory

• L/503/2632 Installing Frames and Linings in the Workplace
• M/503/2638 Installing Internal Mouldings in the Workplace
• T/503/2642 Maintaining Non-structural Carpentry Work in the Workplace
• R/503/2924 Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace

Pathway 5 (Timber frame erection) Mandatory

• A/503/2741 Erecting Timber Walls and Floors in the Workplace
• Y/503/2746 Erecting Timber Roof Structures in the Workplace
• M/503/2770 Installing Supplementary Timber Frame Fixings and Features in the Workplace

Pathway 6 (Timber Decks and Cladding) Mandatory

• D/503/2408 Setting Up and Using Transportable Cutting and Shaping Machines in the Workplace

Pathway 6 Optional Units (1 Unit Required)

• M/503/2736 Installing Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems in the Workplace
• T/503/2737 Installing Specialised Wall Cladding and Bespoke Systems in the Workplace
• A/503/2738 Installing Timber Wall Cladding Systems in the Workplace
• F/503/2496 Installing Low Level Timber Decks in the Workplace
• L/503/2498 Installing Elevated Timber Decks in the Workplace

Why take the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations?

Completing an NVQ can help individuals to consolidate their knowledge in their role, gain confidence, and progress their career.

Many people working in wood occupations as joiners or carpenters learn their skills whilst on the job rather than completing formal training or qualifications. Completing an NVQ in wood occupations provides proof of your knowledge, skill, and competence in performing your role to nationally recognised standards and according to industry recognised safe working practices and Building Regulations.

Completing this NVQ is also a popular route to qualifying to apply for the Blue CSCS Skilled Worker Card.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but as it is work-based, you will need to already be employed in a wood occupation.

An NVQ is a qualification that proves a candidate’s competence in their role, so those taking this qualification will benefit from already having some experience on the job under their belt.

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

The NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations can be completed alongside your job and at your own pace.

The qualification requires candidates to produce a personal portfolio of evidence of their competence in the course’s criteria. It does not involve any training, classroom-based work, or time out for lessons or assessments.

Your personal portfolio should contain evidence of your competence in each of the qualification’s units, this evidence could include any of the following:

• Documentary evidence.
• Witness testimonies.
• Professional observations.
• Question and answer sheets.

This NVQ is completed on the job at your own pace, so the length of time it takes to complete really depends on how long you can commit to it. Most people take between 6 and 12 months to complete it.

How is the NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Wood Occupations assessed?

This NVQ is assessed solely on the quality of evidence submitted in your personal portfolio.

Every applicant receives an assessor when they sign up for the qualification. Your assessor is an occupationally competent professional who will act as your point of contact whilst you complete the qualification.

Your assessor is available to speak to you by telephone or email and will visit you on-site to observe you at work and help to gather evidence for your portfolio.

Once you are happy that your personal portfolio is complete, you must submit it to the exam board for assessment.

If the board are happy that your portfolio demonstrates that you can carry out all the qualification’s criteria to industry standards and according to current legislation and regulations, then you will be marked as competent and awarded the qualification.

What will you gain from this qualification?

This qualification with provide you with formal recognition of your competence working in wood occupations to help to improve your confidence and employability, further your career, and allow you to start working towards a higher qualification if you wish.

This NVQ is also supported by the CSCS and completing this qualification is a popular gateway to apply for a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card.

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