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Where does the content for a qualification come from? H AVE YO U EVE R WO N D E R E D H OW D O E S A TUTO R K N OW WH AT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IS REQUIRED BY A LEARNER TO BE DEEMED COMPETENT? ASKS RUTH OLIVER, BAFSA SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS ADVISER.
the level 2 certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation was designed by industry representatives from the sprinkler installation environment for those working within that environment. But I hear you ask …. So how do they know what are the skills and knowledge required to work in the sector? The answer is National Occupational Standards (NOS), in this case NOS for Mechanical Fire Protection Systems (more commonly known as fire sprinkler systems. National Occupational Standards (NOS), specify the standards of performance individuals must achieve in the workplace, together with the knowledge and understanding required. They focus on what a person needs to be able to do, as well as what they must know and understand to work effectively. Working groups drawn from all aspects of industry come together to discuss the critical key functions and requirements of specific job roles within the specific sector and over time draw together the statements of competence required covering performance and knowledge. Industry Wide consultation is an essential part of the standards development. It is these
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statements that in due course inform the development and content of a qualification. The NOS for Mechanical Fire Protection Systems have recently been reviewed and BAFSA is pleased to have been involved in Steering and Working Group. Two new units have been developed; Testing the Operational Performance of Sprinkler Systems and Site Surveys to accompany the original six units. An industry wide consultation took place in February 2022 with the NOS Regulator granting approval in March 2022. The NOS are freely available from ukstandards.or.uk or by request to BAFSA (qualifications@bafsa.org.uk). As the above standards have been reviewed it is a timely opportunity to review the fire sprinkler installation qualification that is based upon them ie the Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation. This is currently being undertaken by Skills for Justice Awarding Organisation with BAFSA participation and other industry representatives. The two new NOS units will be considered and may form part of the revised qualification; as separate optional units. The Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation qualification is a intended for people employed in installing fire sprinklers to develop the knowledge and competences necessary to meet the industry standards for the installation role. To achieve the SFJ IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fire Sprinkler Installation (QCF) the learner must currently achieve seven mandatory units: Communicate effectively in the workplace Establish effective working relationships Manage own Resources Health and Safety Awareness of Regulations in the Fire Sprinkler Industry (This unit develops knowledge and understanding; however some assessment criteria should be assessed in the workplace) Fire sprinkler installation and handover Understanding the Fire Sprinkler Industry
