Preparing your workers for NVQ Level 2 

If your team needs to be site-ready, holding a CSCS card is requested by many site managers in the UK now.  

Before they can apply for the blue card (Skilled Workers), which demonstrates they have relevant experience and can do their job on site both effectively and safely, they’ll need to hold a relevant qualification, such as a construction-related NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.  

>>Find out about the different levels of CSCS cards

If an NVQ Level 2 is gained through a workplace assessment, surely industry experience is enough to prepare them? 

There’s an assumption that if someone is already doing that job, they should already be ready for their NVQ.  

In some cases, this is true, particularly where workers have extensive, varied experience and a strong understanding of industry standards.  

While on-site experience is essential for a construction NVQ, often it’s not enough. When it comes to assessment, it can soon become clear that, through no fault of your team, your worker has gaps in their knowledge and skills.  

Why on-the-job experience might not be enough 

It might simply be that the opportunity to learn and do the tasks they will be assessed on hasn't come up in the projects you’ve had.  

It could also be that although the worker can do the task to a high level, they may not have accompanying knowledge about current regulations or safety requirements that the NVQ requires. 

When someone is doing a job every day, they may develop shortcuts and speed. Work is about deadlines and daily demands – site habits might not meet occupational standards. 

They simply may not have had enough time on the tools yet to cover everything they need to know. So, when it comes to getting the NVQ, there may be issues.  

Common issues with NVQ assessments: 

  • Limited exposure to all areas of the work covered by the competence units 
  • Site habits have formed poor techniques with limited knowledge of quality standards or processes 
  • Lack of regulatory and health & safety knowledge 

This can result in delays, multiple resubmissions, and increased cost and frustration. 

Forget frustration, get training 

While a training course can’t replace on-site experience, it provides a structured programme of learning that helps prepare workers to meet NVQ standards. 

Completing an NVQ-ready course that’s backed by an industry-recognised qualification, such as a City & Guilds certificate, will give your workers the underpinning knowledge they need. It ensures they’ve had the opportunity to learn industry standards and regulations, develop technical understanding, align site tasks with qualification criteria, and fully understand what’s involved in evidence gathering and building an NVQ portfolio. 

Why choose NVQ-ready training?  

In short: NVQs are achieved through workplace evidence and assessment. Many employers choose structured training beforehand to ensure their teams are properly prepared. 

Benefits: Standardised levels of competence across your workers, plus faster NVQ completion and fewer assessor visits.  

By investing in your workers' competence, you are providing clear progression pathways for them and showing that you take the development of your workforce seriously.  

Able Skills NVQ-ready construction training 

With over 20 years’ experience in teaching construction trades, we have a range of City & Guilds courses in plastering, tiling, bricklaying and carpentry and training packages to help your workers prepare for and achieve the NVQ Level 2.  

Find out more about our Corporate Training or contact us on 01322 280 202 hello@ableskills.co.uk