NVQ compressed air pathway first for UK

The new Compressed Air Pathway is an important step towards raising professional standards and enhancing site safety for those already working in the compressed air industry.

The NVQ was developed in part to address the competency concerns raised by the Construction Leadership Council regarding personnel working on construction sites. The resulting Compressed Air Pathway is recognised by the Building Engineering and Services Association as a formal industry standard, including Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) recognition.

It is designed so that learners can demonstrate their existing knowledge and credentials, without requiring additional training. This gives confidence to end-customers of the engineer's competence, experience and commitment to safe working practices during the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of compressed air systems.

"The launch of our new NVQ is testament to the significant strides made by the compressed air industry in recent months," said Collier. "We’ve formalised the extensive experience many compressed air engineers already possess, offering both recognition for their skills and reassurance to end users that all statutory and safety requirements will be met."

Recognising existing skills, avoiding unnecessary training

One of the key features of the new diploma is its flexibility for experienced engineers. Unlike more traditional training routes, this NVQ is designed to assess existing knowledge.

Evidence collection, a cornerstone of NVQ assessment, can be a barrier for both learners and employers, requiring significant time and documentation. BCAS has designed the NVQ to make this process much simpler, with candidates encouraged to build a portfolio that reflects their day-to-day work, including job packs, video demonstrations, and professional discussions. 

Prior learning is also recognised, meaning past qualifications, training courses, or relevant experience can count toward certification where appropriate.

Future expansion

Early industry response has been overwhelmingly positive. A recent coaching event hosted by BCAS for candidates currently undertaking the qualification saw strong engagement, with 95% of attendees finding it useful and 83% expressing interest in attending further events. 

The Society has also reported significant uptake in applications since the launch and has welcomed feedback from participants for future enhancements.  For example, it is already considering the addition of an optional pipe module, aimed at engineers who install or maintain piping systems in future iterations of the qualification.

"Our new NVQ enhances our portfolio of training options and would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our members, industry partners and the BCAS team. But this is just the beginning. We are committed to adapting the qualification to reflect future changes in the compressed air sector as it adapts to new engineering challenges," Collier affirmed.

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BCAS compressed air pathway: At-a-glance guide

Target audience

• Suitable for learners aged 16+ particularly those with the potential to meet the outlined criteria
• Recommended for experienced engineers and technicians already working in the compressed air industry
• No formal entry requirements but highly recommended for experienced engineers and technicians already working within the industry.

Qualification structure

Four mandatory core units, followed by a selection of pathway-specific units tailored to the compressed air industry. The focus of the ‘Compressed Air’ units includes maintenance, commissioning, and installation activities, ensuring that learners acquire the necessary skills to adapt to various job roles and environments.

Core mandatory units

To achieve certification, candidates must complete the following four mandatory units:

1.     Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements

2.     Using and interpreting engineering data and documentation

3.     Working efficiently and effectively in engineering

4.     Handing over and confirming completion of maintenance or installation activities

Optional units 

In addition to the mandatory units, learners must complete a minimum of one optional unit from the following list. It is important to note here that if the maintenance unit is selected, either the installation or commissioning unit must also be completed to meet certification requirements:

• Installing compressed air equipment
• Commissioning compressed air equipment and systems
• Maintaining compressed air systems and equipment

Programme duration and prior learning

Typically, a Level 3 qualification requires 12 to 18 months for completion. However, this programme is specifically tailored for experienced employees, allowing for a potentially shorter duration of as little as six months.

Learners are encouraged to use the assessment criteria from the outset, enabling them to progress at their own pace while gathering evidence for their portfolio. 

BCAS is committed to recognising prior learning, allowing learners to present evidence such as course tests or attendance certificates. If the knowledge remains relevant, it can be assessed through professional discussion, ensuring that learners can demonstrate their competence effectively.

Evidence collection

Candidates can build their portfolio using performance evidence such as:

• Job packs
• Short, high-quality video evidence
• Professional discussions with assessors

Should you have any further ideas or suggestions, please contact Terry Collier at [email protected]. Your input is invaluable as BCAS strives to enhance its training offer and meet the needs of learners and the industry.

www.bcas.org.uk

Tel: 0207 935 2464