Differences between Construction Awards and Construction Diplomas

The Construction Diplomas are a new suite of qualifications replacing Construction Awards.  Developed in response to industry's request for a broader training qualification, to improve the skills, knowledge and understanding of the future construction workforce.

The Diplomas are significantly broader in content to the previous Construction Awards:

  • They have been designed to be progressive, building on skills and knowledge from level to level.  Changes will be seen in both the core and the occupational units.
  • The core includes Building Methods and Construction Technology at all three levels, with level 3 covering energy efficiency and sustainability.
  • Occupational changes include: Site Carpentry majoring in Site Carpentry and minoring in Joinery; Painting and Decorating including spraying. 
  • The new Diplomas will give learners the ability to major and minor in complementary aspects of their occupational training, for example learning aspects of both solid and fibrous plastering; and bench and site carpentry.
  • The new Diplomas encompass a wider breadth of skill, knowledge and understanding, covering planning, estimating and new topics such as modern and future methods of construction and the wider environmental issues.  These Diplomas are giving industry the training package they want for their current and future workforce.
  • There is no requirement to pass the health & safety test to achieve the qualification.
  • All units are mandatory and the guided learning hours needed to deliver the training has increased. 
  • The end registration date for Construction Awards is 30th September 2008.  Candidates registered before this date will be able to complete the qualifications subject to completing within the end certification periods.  All registration after 30th September 2008 will be to the new Construction Diplomas.

Further information