EWPA Courses

Explore Experienced Worker Practical Assessments (EWPA) as a streamlined pathway to attain NVQ Level 2 qualifications in the construction industry.

What is Experienced Worker Practical Assessment?

In the dynamic landscape of the construction industry, continual evolution is normal, marked by the integration of cutting-edge technologies, new materials, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices. This progession necessitates a parallel adaptation in rules, regulations, and qualifications for tradespeople, ensuring that the industry is safe during transition periods.

While possessing the right qualifications is crucial for safeguarding colleagues and clients, it can pose challenges for seasoned tradespeople. Many of these individuals possess the requisite skills and knowledge but lack official accreditation, either due to extended experience or unfinished training portfolios.

Experienced Worker Practical Assessments (EWPA) offer a pragmatic solution to this common dilemma. Functioning as a fast-track method to attain an NVQ Level 2 qualification, EWPA caters specifically to experienced tradespeople without formal credentials. This proves invaluable, especially for those who have dedicated substantial time to their industry or faced obstacles in completing their formal training.

What is an EWPA?

The Experienced Worker Practical Assessment pathway was set up by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to provide a far more streamlined route for experienced tradespeople to achieve their NVQ Level 2.

Rather than completing a lengthy training course and portfolio covering tasks that you’re already comfortable with, your skills are verified through practical assessments to ensure they’re up to the required NVQ standard.

The benefits of completing an EWPA

Once your skills have been assessed, deemed up to the required standard and you’ve gained your NVQ, you’ll be eligible to apply for a CSCS card in your chosen profession, a requirement for anyone wanting to work on any UK construction site. It also opens up the possibility of higher-level training, including your NVQ Level 3.

EWPA Assessment Method

This assessment method has been designed to assess a Learner’s ability to demonstrate the skill and knowledge required for a Level 2 qualification. This will include:  

• planning work
• working efficiently
• working to recognised industrial tolerances
• working productively
• working safely

What’s the difference between an NVQ and an EWPA?

There are two options to attain an NVQ Level 2 – it is either through on-site assessment or through Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA).

• On-site assessment involves the assessment of workers during the co. It would typically take three to six months.
• EWPA is a fast-track method, where candidates are required to visit off-site assessments for around two days. It would enable workers to display their practical skills and exchange opinions with the assessor.

Who is EWPA for?

• This route is typically for tradespeople who have five years’ worth of experience in the trade. The experience doesn’t necessarily need to have been in the UK, though practices and environments you have used and worked in must be similar and up to the same standards as UK construction sites to be eligible.

NOCN EWPA Routes

Apply for EWPA

Access to the EWPA application form, Part 1 – Experienced Worker Practical Assessment Route is via the vLearn platform.

To apply for EWPA approval, you will need to download the application form from Horizon under the Key NOCN Documents on the homepage or via the vLearn platform, in the folder List of qualifications available via the EWPA Route and EWPA Forms and submit via email to assurance@nocn.org.uk.

PLEASE NOTE:

If you do not have access to vLearn then you will need to contact Customer Services Team on 0300 999 1177 (select option 1, then 3)