EWPA roof tiling and slating NVQ assessments

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 26, 2007

Sandtoft's Training and Assessment Centre (STAC) pioneers new EWPA roof tiling and slating NVQ assessments.

In a watershed moment for the roofing industry, the Sandtoft Training and Assessment Centre (STAC) has conducted the first ever Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) for candidates looking to gain an NVQ Level 2 in roof tiling and slating.

Both candidates taking part in the landmark assessment were from R.A.

Sidebottom, a professional roofing contractor based in Swinton, South Yorkshire.

Peter Rogerson, the deputy chairman of ConstructionSkills commented: "ConstructionSkills warmly welcomes and recognises the success of STAC in achieving the first EWPA NVQ assessment, and we feel confident that it will be the first of many such awards".

"STAC is to be congratulated on embracing the needs of the industry and of their customers in providing this valuable facility for the Roofing Sector".

As part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), all roofers now require an NVQ Level 2 qualification to gain CSCS skilled worker accreditation, which itself is required to work on the majority of construction sites in the UK.

The EWPA route to an NVQ has only recently been developed by ConstructionSkills to provide a quick and efficient route for skilled, experienced workers to gain this qualification.

Simon Dixon, STAC's senior assessor commented: "The EWPA route is a significant development for roofers who have worked in the industry for over five years and are now looking to gain the qualifications required for a CSCS card".

"With the assessment taking place at the training centre in just two days it's possible to conduct the assessment process and internal verification in under a week".

The EWPA assessment covers all of the main skills in roof tiling and slating, as well as safety procedures and best practice, during a practical assessment that takes place within an eight to twelve-hour timeframe depending upon the chosen route.

This assessment is then followed up with a professional discussion between candidate and assessor, designed to establish an understanding of the candidate's wider knowledge and experience.

Simon Dixon added: "The assessment is very thorough, but we try to ensure things are as relaxed as possible so that candidates feel comfortable and enjoy the experience".

"Aside from the CSCS card accreditation, qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2 provide main contractors and other clients with great peace of mind; and in an increasingly competitive marketplace a qualified workforce can be an effective sales tool for a roofing contractor." he added.