National Progression Award (NPA) in Construction Operations (SCQF level 5)
The construction and civil engineering industries play a vital role in developing and maintaining Scotland's infrastructure. This course will help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required to begin a career in the sector or progress to further study.
Students will gain an understanding of industry practices, health and safety requirements and the practical skills required within construction and civil engineering environments.
The programme has been designed in partnership with industry and introduces students to a range of construction operations, surveying techniques, civil engineering principles and health and safety practices used across the sector. It is suitable for individuals interested in progressing to further study, Modern Apprenticeships or employment within construction and civil engineering.
Successful completion of the programme will provide a strong foundation for progression into a range of construction-related disciplines including civil engineering, surveying, construction management and infrastructure operations.
This predominantly practical course is delivered 5 days a week for a duration of 17 weeks on site at our outdoor construction training area at the Falkirk campus.
All PPE for outdoor practical work is provided by CECA. All students that successfully complete the course are guaranteed an interview with a Civil Engineering employer upon graduation with a view to starting their career as a civil engineering operative.
This course has excellent links with employers and there will be visits to live construction sites and the opportunity to observe demonstrations from specialist contractors during the course.
For more information on CECA please click here.
Content
The course may 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
- Provide Temporary Excavation Support
Career Paths
Successful completion of this qualification may lead to:
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Civil Engineering / Construction Operative
- Site Engineering Assistant
- Surveying Assistant
- Infrastructure and Utilities Operative
- Modern Apprenticeship opportunities within the construction sector
Progression
This programme can provide progression to:
- National Certificate (NC) programmes in Construction or Civil Engineering
- Engineering and Built Environment qualifications
- Modern Apprenticeships
- Further study at SCQF Level 6 and above
Entry requirements
- All applicants must be 16 years old or above within 4 weeks of the course start date and be eligible to leave secondary school.
- While there are no formal entry requirements all applicants should have relevant work experience and/or show an aptitude for learning at SCQF level 3 and above.
More Info
Further advice for full-time applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as: the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
14 September 2026
Level 5
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
01 February 2027
Level 5