NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Formwork (Construction)

About Level 3 Diploma in Formwork:

The Level 3 Diploma in Formwork is intended for those who have experience in assembling and dismantling different formwork systems. This diploma will suit you if you’re a practising formwork carpenter. The qualification can help you move up to a supervisory role within the same industry and even qualify for a CSCS Gold Card that's widely recognised in the field. Since it's regulated by Ofqual and CCEA, it can give you national recognition and help you showcase your skills across the UK.

The primary objective of the qualification is to acknowledge the experience you've already acquired and help you take the next step in your career. By obtaining this qualification, you'll be well-prepared to take on a senior role in the formwork industry. 

Do I Have To Be Employed To Enrol On This Programme?

To pursue this qualification, it's important that you're currently employed as a formwork or shuttering carpenter. These roles involve building temporary structures used to support concrete while it sets, and they require a particular set of skills and experience. This diploma requires you to submit practical evidence to demonstrate your competency. This means you'll need access to a workplace where you can apply the skills you've learned and gather the necessary evidence. However, if you're not currently employed in one of these roles, you may need to gain some experience first before pursuing this qualification.

How Can You Get a CSCS Gold Card?

Getting a CSCS Gold Card is a 3-step process. Let’s check out these three steps below.

• Step 1: Earn a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification

To qualify for a CSCS Gold Card, you'll need to demonstrate a high level of skill and knowledge in your chosen trade. The Level 3 NVQ qualification is an excellent way to achieve this. It's a comprehensive training program that covers all the essential skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed in your domain. Completing this course will set you up for success and ensure that you're fully prepared for the next steps of getting a CSCS Gold Card.

• Step 2: Take the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (Supervisor)

Once you've completed your Level 3 NVQ, the next step is to take the CITB Health and Safety test. This test is to ensure that you have a good understanding of health and safety regulations and best practices in the construction industry. It's a crucial step in the process, as it shows that you're committed to safety and are aware of the risks and hazards that come with working in construction.

• Step 3: Apply for a CSCS Gold Card

After you've completed your Level 3 NVQ and passed your CITB HS&E test, the final step is to apply for your CSCS Gold Card. This card is a proof to your skills and expertise in the formwork industry, and it's highly respected throughout the construction industry.

What Is a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test?

This test is to check if you know how to keep yourself and everyone else safe on a construction site. You'll have to answer 50 multiple choice questions, and to pass it, you need to get at least 90% of them right. So, that means you have to get 45 out of 50 questions correct. 

Once you pass, you'll get a certificate that shows you've got a good grip on the safety protocols you need to know on a construction site. Here are the five core knowledge areas of the test:

• Working environment

• Occupational health

• Safety

• High risk activities

• Specialist

Does This Diploma Expire Like Any CSCS Card?

The validation of this certification has no end date and is valid for a lifetime. It's important not to confuse the validity of your CSCS card with the validity of your diploma. Once you pass your Level 3 NVQ Diploma, it’s valid for life, which means you won't have to sit for it again. However, your CSCS card will expire every five years and will need to be renewed. The good news is that you won't have to start over and enrol on the same qualification after five years. You can simply skip the first step and proceed to step 2, provided you have a valid CITB certificate.

How Is This Qualification Structured?

To obtain this qualification, you will need to complete eight mandatory units that cover the essential skills and knowledge required to work with formwork systems. These units are designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of formwork, including how to design, select, and erect different types of formwork.

The course covers a wide range of topics, such as the principles of formwork design, the selection of materials and equipment, and the erection and dismantling of formwork systems. You will also learn about the importance of health and safety on construction sites and how to manage your team effectively. By the end of the course, you will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to supervise and manage a team of formwork operatives.

Is The Course Price Inclusive Of The CSCS Card and CITB Test Fee?

No, the course price doesn't include the cost of the CSCS card and the CITB test fee. However, upon completion of the course, you'll earn a qualification that counts towards one of the three requirements for obtaining a CSCS Gold Card. This can help you move towards obtaining the Gold Card, which demonstrates your competence and knowledge in health and safety practices in the construction industry.

What Do I Need Before I Enrol on This Course?

To enrol on this qualification, you should have experience in erecting, striking, and maintaining formwork systems. Other than that, there aren't any strict requirements regarding an academic background in construction or anything like that. You can start this qualification straight away as long as you can provide evidence of your knowledge and skillset to your assessor. 

How Long Will This Qualification Take?

There's no set timeline for completing this qualification. It all depends on your availability and how committed you are to finishing it. On average, most learners complete it within 4-6 weeks.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will be assessed at your workplace. The process is super simple and straightforward. First, a qualified NVQ assessor will do an initial assessment to see where you stand in terms of your knowledge and understanding of the industry. They'll communicate with you to figure out any learning gaps and help you design a personalised assessment plan that works for both of you. For an initial assessment, you will be asked to fill in a form consisting of your details, and where currently are you employed.

You'll have to provide a portfolio of evidence. This evidence can come in many forms, such as:

• Observation report by assessor

• Assignments/projects/reports

• Professional discussion

• Witness testimony

• Candidate product

• Worksheets

• Record of oral and written questioning

• Recognition of Prior Learning 

Who Should Opt For This Diploma?

• Experienced shuttering carpenters who want to take their career to the next level and become supervisors in their field.

• Construction workers who are looking to specialise in formwork and want to gain a nationally recognised qualification to further their career prospects.

• Formwork operatives who want to expand their knowledge and improve their ability to work with different types of formwork systems.