Information for employers

The regulator, Qualifications Wales, carried out a review of qualifications in the construction and built environment sector and worked with City & Guilds and EAL to ensure this suite of qualifications meets the needs of both learners and employers in Wales.

The new qualifications reduce complexity and raise the quality of the learning outcomes and experience. CITB, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association for Wales, the Federation for Master Builders, National Federation of Builders (NFB), Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and the Building Services Engineering Services Association (BESA) are fully supportive of the suite and were active partners in the development process.

This suite of qualifications is available for public funding for 16-19 year olds in Wales and is the only Level 2 and Level 3 Construction and Building Services Engineering qualifications available for public funding in Wales (with the exception of Level 1 provision and some specialist qualifications).

Skills are aligned to the relevant skills card accepted by industry. We have collaborated with a wide range of sector representatives and the regulator, Qualifications Wales, to ensure that the qualifications contain relevant and up-to-date content to develop the knowledge and skills needed within the construction and built environment workplace. The qualifications are based on nationally recognised occupational standards and because of this, upon completion, learners will be qualified to work in Wales and across the UK.

The ‘Foundation’ and ‘Progression’ qualifications ensure that all learners develop the key knowledge and understanding, while learners on the Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification will put their knowledge and understanding into practice to build competency in the workplace.

Existing qualifications will continue to be valued and recognised, but continuing professional development is important to ensure that workers stay up to date with their knowledge and skills development. Some upskilling of staff may be required in areas such as emerging technologies and the repair and maintenance of pre-1919 buildings.

City & Guilds and EAL have developed this Skills for Wales website as a single source of information for these qualifications.

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