Development of new National Occupational Standards in Sport and Play surfaces

Gemma Flint, SkillsActive - 23/04/2008

Until recently the sport and play surfaces sub-sector did not have any appropriate National Occupational Standards (NOS) relating to it. The NOS and associated qualification structure at Level 2 were approved at the end of last year and now there is an urgent need to provide a route for further progression within this sub sector.

Key areas where standards may be developed as part of the project could include:

• management of health and safety requirements
• management of own resources and development
• providing leadership
• install and maintain indoor sport and play surfaces
• install and maintain outdoor sport and play surfaces
• inspect and assess site surfaces.

The benefits from such a qualification at Level 3 will be at several levels:

• There is no appropriate qualification or training available in this discipline in the UK
• Formal training and qualification in these skills will open up further job opportunities for individuals in this expanding market sector
• Employers will be able to identify the ability of potential employees
• The standard of management, installation and maintenance will be raised to a uniform level throughout the industry.
• Grant awarding bodies such as Sport England, Football Foundation and the Lawn Tennis Association will have the reassurance that facilities they are funding are being constructed by qualified individuals.

The project will be managed by a steering group which is supported by highly experienced consultants. Firstly, research will be carried out to the scope and nature of sport and play surfaces and the need for national standards at level 3. Research in to international best practice will also be undertaken. Work will then commence on the development of dedicated NOS for sport and play surfaces.

A consultation of the draft standards is being held on Wednesday 4 June at SAPCA with employers, governing bodies and industry representatives with the project due to be completed by August 2008.

For more information on the project please contact Gemma Flint.