Who is ESA?ESA, Entrance Systems Alliance, a new organisation offering NVQs to the door and gate industries, has been launched by two of the sector’s most revered trade associations, Door and Hardware Federation (dhf) and the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA). ESA, based in Tamworth, will act as an assessment centre and offer NVQ’s to the industries served by both organisations. These include door and gate systems, such as fire doors, automated gates and powered pedestrian doors.
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are work-based awards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are achieved through assessment and training, and centre on national occupational standards. Having an NVQ means that you possess the skills and knowledge needed to do a job. NVQs cover a wide range of subjects for almost every occupational area in every business sector. For workers in the automated gate, industrial door and domestic garage doors industry, having the appropriate NVQ is required for those seeking a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, which allow you to work on building sites.
Please visit the website for ESA, Entrance Systems Alliance, click the 'Take the First Step' button and complete and send in the forms. You will then be contacted to continue the process to earn your NVQ.
ESA will initially offer the following qualifications:
The Construction Leadership Council (the body that works between Government and Industry) has updated its recommendation, adopted across the industry, which provides a consistent means of recognising that an individual has achieved the agreed standard of qualification and skill in the occupation they are working in.
The industry, including trade associations, contractors, clients and government should specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo with no equivalents accepted. Cards will be required by those working predominantly on construction sites undertaking a recognised construction occupation. Cards will not be issued in respect of non-construction related occupations.
Card schemes carrying the CSCS logo will meet the following requirements:
The appropriate qualification(s) for each occupation will be agreed between the sector representative organisation and its recognised standard setting body.
The minimum standard for skilled occupations is a NVQ Level 2 qualification relevant to the occupation plus a separate health and safety element.
A completed apprenticeship will be accepted as meeting the minimum standard provided the apprenticeship and associated end point assessment have been agreed as equivalent to the national occupational standard by the sector representative organisation and its recognised standard setting body.
Where an NVQ level 2 qualification is not available the sector representative organisation and the relevant standard setting body will specify the recognised equivalent qualification for the occupation.
A transition process to bring all existing cardholders up to the minimum standard by 2024 will be agreed and implemented.
The scheme logos and the logo of the relevant standard setting body may feature on their cards or within any smart technology solution used.
By visiting the ESA website at www.esa.uk.com, you will be able to register your interest in NVQ assessments for yourself or members of your staff.
