NVQ LEVEL 3 - OCCUPATIONAL WORK SUPERVISION

DMR Training is an approved assessment centre for NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction). We aim to help you gain your supervisors’ NVQ as quickly and conveniently as possible.

ABOUT THIS NVQ

WHO SHOULD TAKE NVQ LEVEL 3 OCCUPATIONAL WORK SUPERVISION?

The NVQ Level 3 in Occupational Work Supervision is for experienced supervisors who meet the recognised occupational standards. The qualification validates your skills and experience in the workplace.

The Occupational Work Supervision NVQ is suitable for those who supervise a team working in a specific trade such as joinery or bricklaying. This supervisory position is also known as “trades foreman”.

Most workers who take this qualification have a strong background in the trade they are supervising.

Anyone with the required experience who is aged 19+ can take the Occupational Work Supervision NVQ. However, we find that the most suitable candidates are in their mid-twenties or older.

The qualification is also sometimes suitable for small business owners who supervise and work alongside a small team of contractors. 

We deliver the supervision NVQ through the onsite assessment and training (OSAT) route. The OSAT route to NVQ achievement gives you the flexibility to work towards your qualification at your own speed. Classroom training is seldom required, and you will not need to travel or take time off work. Please refer to ‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Assessment Process’ for examples of assessment criteria for this NVQ. 

Once you have achieved your Level 3 NVQ, you can apply for your CSCS Supervisory card (AKA the gold card).

To undertake an Occupational Work Supervision NVQ, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum of two to three years experience as a trade supervisor (depending on overall construction experience). 
  • Must currently be working as a supervisor.
  • Aged 19+ (although the majority of supervisors won’t be experienced enough until at least their early to mid twenties).

Your NVQ assessor will carry out a pre-enrolment skills diagnostic in a number of the job tasks listed below. It is not an exhaustive list and is designed to illustrate some of the key areas of experience needed to achieve the Occupational Work Supervision NVQ.

  • Carrying out team briefings, health and safety briefings and tool box talks.
  • Site inspections and quality control
  • Checking resources and supplies, and ordering shortfalls when they occur.
  • Plant checks where required, such as vehicle, oil and tyre checks.
  • Assigning work to team members — “who’s doing what”.
  • Tool checks.
  • Safety checks to ensure your team is using correct PPE and work method statements are followed.
  • Following programme of works and responding to changes when needed.
  • Managing relationships in the team and dealing with grievances.
  • Working in conjunction and communicating with other teams.
  • Dealing with accidents as they occur.
  • Checking and managing timesheets.
  • Interpreting documents and checking they are adhered to (e.g. permits to work, risk assessments, method statements etc).
  • Holding meetings with other supervisors to raise concerns.
  • Maintaining principles of equality and diversity.
  • Looking after the welfare of your team (for example, checking they have adequate PPE supplies).
  • Leading by example and encouraging two-way dialogue.
  • Providing reports to managers, suppliers and customers as and when required.
  • Discussing performance issues with the team.

After enrolling you on your supervision NVQ we will assign you an assessor who will work with you for the duration of the course as you build a portfolio of evidence. Types of evidence may include:

  • An onsite observation while you work, carried out by your assessor in your workplace. You may be observed carrying out a number of the tasks listed in the “Entry Requirements’ section.
  • Photographs or videos of you working. Your assessor will explain best practice for capturing images for photographic evidence.
  • References, employer endorsements or witness testimonies verifying your work as a supervisor. Current, recent or historical testimonies are permissible.
  • Detailed job logs of work you have completed during your Occupational Work Supervision NVQ.
  • A recorded professional discussion with your assessor either face-to-face or over the telephone. For example, you may undertake a recorded discussion about the importance of inclusivity or team welfare.
  • Q&A pack covering the ‘theory’ of construction supervision and health and safety. You can work through this pack in your own time, and provide answers handwritten, typed or verbally recorded format.

When your assessor has finished cross-referencing your work-based evidence against the units of the NVQ, our internal verification team will check your portfolio. They will then claim your NVQ certificate with NOCN, and you will receive your NVQ certificate by post within two to four weeks.

Although supervisors can take up to six months or more to achieve their NVQ, we find that most complete the qualification in 2 to 3 months.

Ultimately, the qualification will fit around your professional and personal commitments. Work towards it at a speed you feel comfortable.

Please visit our Funding & Grants page to check if funding is available for your NVQ.

If you are ineligible for government support, we offer affordable self-funded assessment payable in four instalments of 25%.

Please contact us to discuss funding and costs.

On completion of your Occupational Work Supervision NVQ course, you can apply for your Supervisory CSCS card (gold card).

If you require a CSCS card while you are working towards your NVQ, you can apply for your temporary Experienced Worker card (red card).

All CSCS Supervisory card applicants must first pass the CITB Supervisors Health, Safety and Environment test (HS&E test).

After achieving Level 3 and depending on your experience, you may have the option to advance to NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision or NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management.

When you decide to proceed with your NVQ, we will carry out a quick skills diagnostic to confirm your suitability for the qualification and the onsite assessment route.

We will then enrol you on the qualification with NOCN and issue your welcome email. Your assessor will contact you for your introductory telephone conversation and put together your assessment action plan.

For an initial commitment-free consultation, please call us on 01942 673047 or send us your details and we will get back to you.

REQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY UNITS

Candidates must complete the six mandatory units

  • Confirming work activities and resources for an occupational work area in the workplace
  • Developing and maintaining good occupational working relationships in the workplace
  • Confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace
  • Implementing and maintaining health, safety, environmental and welfare practices in the workplace
  • Co-ordinating and organising work operations in the workplace
  • Monitoring progress of work against schedules in the workplace

OPTIONAL UNITS

Candidates must complete two optional units from the optional unit group

  • Allocating and monitoring the use of plant, machinery, equipment or vehicles in the workplace
  • Confirming work meets contractual, industry and manufacturers’ standards in the workplace
  • Implementing procedures to support team performance in the workplace
  • Co-ordinating and confirming the dimensional control requirements of the work in the workplace

APPLY NOW

For an initial commitment-free consultation about your NVQ please call us on 01942 673047 or register your interest via the APPLY NOW link.

Once we receive your enquiry, a member of our training and assessment team will contact you to discuss your NVQ and answer any questions you have.

INDIVIDUAL APPLICANTS

If you’re an employee or self-employed worker interested in NVQ assessment for yourself, please send us your enquiry via the link below.

EMPLOYERS & COMPANIES

If you’re enquiring about a group booking on behalf of your company, please use the link below.

FAQs

There are several reasons you might take an NVQ, ranging from increased earning potential and career prospects, to gaining your CSCS card. See our short guide – Why Should You Do an NVQ?

Before starting your qualification, an assessor will be assigned to work with you and provide ongoing support. DMR assessors are former construction workers with at least five years’ experience in NVQ assessment. They hold an A1 or TAQA assessor’s qualification, a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in their occupational area and a blue or gold CSCS card.

We provide full training to all our assessors in supporting people with dyslexia or learning disabilities. If you need extra support and guidance with the written elements of your supervision NVQ, your assessor will draw up an assessment plan tailored to your needs.

An NVQ is a workplace competency qualification. As a competent construction worker and trades supervisor, you will be expected to document your skills and experience through various types of ‘evidence’.

Your assessor will carry out at least one observation in your place of work. You will also complete coursework in your own time.

To achieve your qualification, you will not need to travel, there are no exams to sit, and you will not need to take time off work. Your assessor will provide support and guidance face-to-face, by phone and by email.

CITB-registered employers can claim a grant of £600 for every employee or contractor who completes an NVQ Level 2 to 7. You can find more information on the CITB website.

Government NVQ funding is available for construction workers who meet specific criteria. Please get in touch with us to find out if you are eligible for funding or visit our Funding & Grants page.

When you have completed your NVQ portfolio, our internal verification team will check it for compliance. They will then claim your certificate with NOCN. Once we have received your certificate from the awarding body, we will forward it to you by recorded delivery. This process usually takes between two and four weeks.

To get your CSCS Supervisors card, you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at your local test centre.

You can apply for your card by visiting the CSCS application page on their website. You will need to upload a copy of your NVQ certificate and have a debit or credit card ready to pay the £36 fee.

Yes, if you need a CSCS card while you are doing your qualification, you can apply for the Experienced Worker card. You can request this card as soon as we have enrolled you on the NVQ (you will also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test).

To apply for the temporary card, we will email you your proof of enrolment which you must submit to CSCS.

You will then upgrade to the supervisors card once you have finished the qualification.

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