CITB retains Skills Test in new SVQs following industry backing

Following a widespread consultation with employers and educators across Scotland, the CITB has readied nine, new, craft Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) for the new intake of Apprentices in August.

The new SVQs will now formally include the highly valued Skills Test, which assesses a candidate’s occupational competence in their craft, such as bricklaying, plastering or stonemasonry.

Earlier in the year, the CITB sought the views of the industry on the Skills Test element of the SVQs. A review by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) highlighted the absence of the Skills Test in the SVQ’s award. This created an issue as to whether the 2017/18 apprenticeships programme in Scotland would be able continue.

The CITB held 14 consultation events to gather the views of over 173 employers in Scotland throughout February. The response from employers was heavily in favour of the Skills Test, with 95% voting to keep it within the SVQ. Many said they wished to make it an integral part of the apprenticeship programme, rather than a separate process.

Ian Hughes, CITB Strategic Partnerships Director in Scotland, said: “When the industry told us that they wanted to keep the Skills Test, we took action.

“In March, we presented employer feedback to representatives of the Scottish Government, the SQA, and industry representatives. The SQA agreed to accept the results of our consultation. CITB responded by developing nine new craft SVQs incorporating a new Skills Test unit which met regulatory and employer requirements. This provides an easier process for employers, with far less paperwork. It is another example of how CITB works closely with industry to make sure that the qualifications and standards we look after are constantly being tailored to meet their needs.

“I’m pleased to say that with support of this fully integrated and assured SVQ, the newly refreshed apprenticeship framework will be in place in time to commence new apprentice sign ups in August.”

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