Introduction

Buyers in our industry procure all materials, products, plant machinery, and subcontractors for construction projects. They must ensure they are provided on time and within budget. Buyers typically work their way up, starting as Assistant Buyers or Junior Buyers and learning the ropes to progress. Skills and knowledge for buying include;

• Excellent communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• A head for figures and budget management
• Analytical thinking
• IT skills
• A growth mindset for the business or organisation they work for

This Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations - Buying qualification enables delegates to demonstrate and recognise skills, knowledge and understanding and demonstrate competence in a real workplace environment.

The qualification is designed to prepare people for work in a Construction Contracting capacity where their main focus is on Buying.

Course Outline

We assess delegates against performance and knowledge statements derived from National Occupational Standards - the Recommended Qualification Structure for Construction Contracting Operations Level 3.

While producing a portfolio of evidence, delegates will show how they have met each unit's performance and knowledge criteria required within the qualification, as directed by their assessor.

To pass this qualification, delegates must successfully complete and achieve all six Mandatory Units and one Optional unit. 

Course Programme

Delegates taking this Level 3 Buying NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations will cover in-depth knowledge skills and practices to learn the fundamentals of construction buying.

The course content includes:

Mandatory Units - must achieve six

• Recommend and monitor supplies of plant and equipment in construction
• Prepare programmes and schedules of work in construction
• Operate project information systems in construction
• Operate health, safety and welfare systems in construction
• Monitor, maintain and improve supplies of materials in construction
• Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction

Optional Units - must achieve one or more

• Record the condition of property in construction
• Prepare proposals and obtain feedback for the provision of products and services in construction
• Prepare for, collect, analyse and present survey data in construction
• Prepare work operations in construction
• Prepare and carry out physical testing in construction
• Prepare estimates, bids and tenders for construction
• Prepare drawings and schedules in construction
• Prepare and process invitations to tender in construction
• Prepare and monitor costs and accounts in construction
• Integrate and control project design information in construction
• Implement contract work in construction
• Establish and maintain the dimensional control of construction works

Assess, plan, and monitor project methods and progress in construction 

On Completion

Upon successfully completing this qualification, delegates will have the skills, knowledge, understanding, and competence to progress to a higher-level qualification in the same or similar occupational area. They can also enter into supervisory and management positions within the workplace.  

In general terms, the construction industry will accept this qualification on its own as entry to a job role. 

Finally, as a result of completing the NVQ Level 3 Construction Buying Diploma, delegates can apply for the CSCS Gold Card. 

Who Should Attend?

Any person or employee working within Construction Contracting focusing on Buying who needs to obtain a Gold CSCS card and a nationally recognised qualification in this occupation. 

Course Duration

We advise between six and nine months from induction to complete most Level 3 NVQs. The duration within this time depends on delegate experience, circumstances and the work they are carrying out. 

Why Citrus?

Quality and the customer experience are paramount to us here at Citrus. We passionately provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors, proudly working with 85 of the country’s top 100 building services companies to provide courses nationwide. 

Take an NVQ with Citrus Training, and delegates are allocated a dedicated Assessor whose role is to communicate with and support delegates throughout their NVQ. They do this through a mixture of face-to-face meetings, online meetings and e-mail communications.

Our assessors are fully qualified and occupationally experienced from construction backgrounds to deliver Supervisory or Management NVQ qualifications within Construction. They travel nationwide to provide the necessary support for Supervisory or Management NVQ qualifications. Working closely with our in-house support teams, among the largest in the UK, together we provide a tailored mix of training, consultancy, and technical services. The result is comprehensive, high-quality training leaving delegates confident to do their job and our business customers satisfied with an excellent customer experience.

Things You Need to Know

The Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations - Buying qualification is designed to occur in a real workplace environment, which means delegates must be employed to take this qualification. 

Before joining the course, delegates must ensure they can gather the necessary evidence to meet all performance requirements set out in the standards. 

Once the candidate has completed their NVQ and obtained their CSCS Gold Card, their CSCS card is valid for five years. It can be renewed by a Construction Skills Supervisor with a touch screen Health and Safety test, revalidating it for a further five years.

A CITB grant is available for companies registered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Enquire to learn more about funding options.