Consultation: New entrants into the Downstream Gas Industry Survey

Question Title

* Category 2

No change to existing processes

Mandatory training for 'matters of gas safety' for the work categories in which the applicant wishes to work

Production of a 'portfolio' to prove experience has been gained in the applicant's chosen category of work

Scheme rules to expand the range of qualifications acceptable for Category 2 applicants, in addition to the introduction of mandatory training (as above)

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* Category 3

No change to existing processes

Ensure that new entrants do not enter the industry having been assessed on matters of gas safety only, but have been assessed as competent in all relevant aspects through an appropriate vocational qualification e.g. QCF. MLPs, including recognised industry apprenticeships which incorporate appropriate gas content, would be acceptable but an ACS assessment alone would not. The process would be subject to audit through the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL

Standardise MLPs and ‘Experience Portfolios’ in terms of their duration and content. All training providers would have to produce their MLP/Portfolio schemes to a nationally agreed standard which has been endorsed by the SSB. The applicant would have to provide evidence prior to completing their ACS assessments at an Assessment Centre that their MLP and portfolio meets with the required standard and the Certification Body would have to warrant that they have investigated the validity of any claims made. The process would be subject to audit by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) of the Certification Body and its approved Assessment Centre.

Standardise ‘MLPs and ‘Experience Portfolios’ in terms of their duration and content. Then as with c) above except all training providers would have to attain certification of their MLP schemes to a third party in line with Operational Requirements for ACS. The applicant would have to provide evidence to the Certification Body, prior to completing their ACS assessments at the assessment centre that their portfolio or evidence and experience meet with the required standard. The process is subject to audit by an appointed independent third party at the Training centres and UKAS of the Certification Body and its approved Assessment Centre

Division of Category 3 to cater for applicants with transferable skills and relevant experience as opposed to applicants with no transferable skills or relevant experience. Option e) to be chosen in conjunction with either Option c) or d) – please state which

Other (please specify)

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* Category 1

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* Category 2

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* Category 3