Published on: May 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Energy & Utility Skills have been working with industry representatives across the energy and utilities sector to review a number of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) for sewerage and drainage.
NOS describe what an individual needs to do and needs to know to perform a work activity, including the skills, knowledge and understanding required. They can be applied across the UK and are used in the development of in-house training programmes, plus they are a key component for qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications, based on National Occupational Standards. They work as a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to the national standards for their sector.
The reviews, carried out over the last 7 months, have followed a tried and tested robust process to ensure the NOS and SVQ meet the requirements of industry and represent the needs of each of the four nations (Scotland only for the SVQ). Industry engagement has been key to the product reviews, which has involved running a series of employer workshops and conducting industry wide consultations. Thank you to all the employers, industry bodies and stakeholders who took part in our reviews.
We’re now pleased to share the NOS and SVQ are now ready to use. The following products are now available to use:
National Occupational Standards
- Sewerage and Drainage Maintenance – covers the maintaining of public and private sewerage and drainage assets, to ensure they meet operational condition.
- Utility Management – covering all utilities, it covers the planning, installation, operation, maintenance and resolution of incidents on utilities networks.
- Utility Network Design – covering all utilities and covers the design of utility networks to meet client and regulatory requirements.
Scottish Vocational Qualification
A qualification structure for a new SVQ in Sewerage and Drainage Maintenance at SCQF level 5, using the new Sewerage and Drainage Maintenance NOS, has been approved and is now available for Awarding Bodies to seek Accreditation. We will update members on the Accreditation when an update is available.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone regarding National Occupational Standards or Devolved Administrations qualifications, please email standardsreview@euskills.co.uk