CECA Civil Engineering Operative (NPA Construction Operations) SCQF 5 (Fort William) NPA
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.
Course type: NPA
Study at: Fort William
Start in: January; September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre.
Duration: Full time: 19 weeks
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.
What is special about this course?
The Civil Engineering Industry is at the forefront of designing, constructing, and maintaining essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply systems, and more. In Scotland, this industry is instrumental in developing sustainable solutions that support economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The CECA Scotland Academy at UHI North West and Hebrides is a training to employment programme to develop a future pipeline of talent to the Civil Engineering Industry in Scotland. This programme is being run as a national pilot and is supported by Civil Engineering Contractors Association and their industry members.
This short course and qualification involves 19 weeks full time at college and is a practical course delivered outdoors.
It covers all aspects of health, wellbeing and working safety, it focuses on ground related works such as finding services, digging and reinstating ground, working with concrete, kerbs and drainage.
If you enjoy practical work and being outdoors, this is the course for you! If you're over 16, you'll have 2 days a week of work experience and you'll receive training and take the required examination to obtain your CSCS card for site access. Plus, you'll be guaranteed an interview at the end of the course. (For those under 16 alternative work experience will be put in place.)
Industry partners in the pilot have committed to ensuring a 75% employment rate for successful candidates so this is a great time to get started on a career as a Civil Engineering Operative.
Entry requirements
- One pass at National 4 or relevant work placement taster in industry.
- Learners are likely to benefit more readily from study of the award if they enter with a general and broad academic ability showing an aptitude at SCQF level 3 and above for English, Mathematics and other related technical and graphical subjects.
The course covers all aspects of health, wellbeing and working safety, it focuses on ground related works such as finding services, digging and reinstating ground, working with concrete, kerbs and drainage. Modules will include:
- Workplace Health Safety and Welfare
- Conform to Productive Work Practices
- Set Out Secondary Dimensional Work Controls: An Introduction
- Install Road Drainage
- Lay Kerbs and Channels
- Excavate Holes and Trenches
- Reinstate Ground Conditions
- Form Concrete Structures
- Lay and Finish Concrete
- Work Readiness (Site visits/further specialist practical skills)
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
5 days per week including 2 days a week of work placement if you are over 16.
NB for those under 16 years, alternative work experience will be substituted.
You will be assessed by means of a combination of practical tasks and open and closed book assessments throughout the year.
How long will my course last?
19 Weeks- Fort William
Fees
Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Employment Opportunities
Upon completing the NPA qualification, candidates are guaranteed a job interview with a civil engineering employer. This national pilot programme, supported by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and its industry members, ensures that successful candidates participate in an employer event at the end of the course. Employers have committed to a 75% employment rate for those who qualify as Civil Engineering Operatives.
Progression Options
Graduates of this programme can progress to:
- MA Civil Engineering Operations
- NC Civil Engineering
- NC Built Environment
Candidates may also be eligible to apply for construction trade apprenticeships.
Apply for CECA Civil Engineering Operative (NPA Construction Operations) SCQF 5 (Fort William) NPA
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.