Energy & Utility Skills

What are National Occupational Standards?

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function. They are developed by people in our industries under the guidance of EU Skills. They are then put through a formal approval process - backed by the government and its devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland - to make sure they reflect industry practices across the whole UK.

National Occupational Standards (NOS) define the competences which apply to job roles or occupations in the form of statements of performance, knowledge and the evidence required to confirm competence. They cover the key activities undertaken within the occupation in question under all the circumstances the job holder is likely to encounter.
We regularly undertake projects to develop new NOS and review existing ones to ensure they remain up-to-date and relevant.

How can NOS be used?

NOS can be used in many ways by employers and individuals. 115 Uses of National Occupational Standards provides examples of where they can add value.

NOS describe good practice in particular areas of work and they can be used by anyone to design their own training, development or assessment needs. Each unit sets out a statement of competence which brings together the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to do the work. The standards provide managers with a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control as well as offering a framework for training and development.

Competence qualifications - nationally-recognised qualifications which are used within apprenticeships (also known as Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland) - are only one use of NOS.
Individual employees can use NOS to identify and support their career paths, identify skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, assess their own ability and training needs, and increase their chances of mobility within industries.

How can I get copies of NOS?

They are available on the NOS Database - a directory which covers almost all areas of industry and commerce within the UK. The NOS Database is internet-based, searchable, and accessible by anyone. If you carry out a search of 'Energy & Utility Skills' on the database you will see a list of the units which are most applicable to energy and utilities companies. The NOS can be downloaded without charge.

If you have any queries about Standards & Qualifications please email enquiries@euskills.co.uk or call us on 0845 077 99 22.