Section 3: RISK TIERS AND COMPETENCE AWARDS

How will I know what risk tier my site/activity falls into?
WAMITAB has provided guidance within its ‘CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme - 22 December 2008'. Specific guidance should be sought from the EA if you cannot identify Technical Competence requirements from this list. In all cases the Technically Competent Person (TCP) requirements for your site should be confirmed with the EA.

My site is not listed in the risk tiers what should I do?
Specific guidance on allocation of sites to risk tiers has been produced by Defra/EA/WAG and they should be contacted for further information if you cannot identify Technical Competence requirements from the Risk Tier list. In all cases the competence requirements for your site should be confirmed with the EA.

Defra is unable to tell me what award I need where do I find this information?
Specific guidance should be sought from the Environment Agency. If you cannot identify Technical Competence requirements having consulted the Risk Tier list found within CIWM / WAMITAB OPERATOR COMPETENCE SCHEME 22 December 2008, then the EA will consider your specific facility type and advise on TCP provision accordingly. In all cases the TCP requirements for your site should be confirmed with the EA.

I need to get my EPOC where can I go and what are the costs and dates?
The EPOC has been developed by CIWM: contact CIWM on 01604 620426 or go to the CIWM Website to find further details of Centre's, course dates and cost information.

How do I choose between a Unit-based award and a VRQ/EPOC?
For new permit applications you may be required to gain an EPOC to start with. However, if your site is ‘up and running' you can choose to follow the NVQ Unit approach if you feel confident that you are ready to be assessed for the units at your site.

If you prefer to follow a ‘course plus assessment' approach then this is the style and format used to achieve the VRQ or EPOC.

For facilities in the high risk tier the only way to demonstrate competence is by achieving the full NVQ.

What are the costs and alternatives open to me?
The choices depend on whether you already possess the knowledge and understanding and feel ready to be assessed using the NVQ Unit pathway. If your facility falls within the ‘High Risk' tier then there is only one selected route i.e. the NVQ route.

Options are available within the ‘Medium' and ‘Low' risk tiers depending on whether you prefer the traditional NVQ unit assessment route delivered fully on your site, or prefer a Vocationally Related Qualification where you learn in a classroom environment with paper-based assessments and an end of course written assignment.

Cost information is available from the relevant WAMITAB ‘Approved' Centres.

My Centre is not running a particular course, VRQ, Continuing Competence scheme where can I find who is?
Consult the WAMITAB Website for details of ‘Continuing Competence' and Centres approved to deliver the Vocationally Related Qualification. Information will also be available from CIWM www.ciwm.co.uk for those Centres approved to offer EPOC training.

Can I use a higher risk award for a lower risk facility?
Yes, the hierarchical arrangements for higher level qualifications to cover TCP arrangements for lower risk facilities remains.

Relevant higher level awards will be acceptable proof of competency for a facility in a lower tier e.g. a VRQ or NVQ 6 unit award will be suitable to demonstrate competence for a site in the low risk tier.

This allows an operator of a low risk tier facility to undertake a competence award on, and relevant to, an appropriate medium risk tier facility; and for operators to plan ahead and move to a medium tiered facility in the future. It also allows current, and any future holders of a relevant CoTC / NVQ, to be competent at a low or medium tiered facility (Refer Annex 2 within CIWM / WAMITAB Waste Operator Competence Scheme 22 December 2008).

Where is the website information that explains what I have to do?
www.wamitab.org.uk Refer to ‘Latest News' within which the document entitled ‘CIWM / WAMITAB Waste Operator Competence Scheme 22 December 2008' can be viewed. Further details are available at www.ciwm.co.uk.

What does the Level 3 VRQ Certificate in Waste and Resource Management course cover?
The course is of (typically) 5 days duration spread over a two to six week block - this varies with each Centre. Experience suggests it is unlikely that this will be delivered in 5 consecutive days. For larger employers this course can be delivered in-house by the WAMITAB Approved Centre. The course content covers the following units:

Mandatory Units:

  • Environmental impact of waste and resource management
  • Waste and Resource Management - Policy and Legislation
  • Permitting Requirements and Compliance in the Waste and Resource Management Industry
  • Health and Safety in the Waste and Resource Management Industry
  • Technical Aspects of Managing Waste and Resources

Option Units (One of the following):

  • 6a: Physical and Chemical Processing within the Waste and Resource Management Industry
  • 6b: Biological processing within the Waste and Resource Management Industry
  • 6c: Thermal Treatment Processing within the Waste and Resource Management Industry
  • 6d: Contaminated Land (to be developed)
  • 6e: Inert Landfill (to be developed)

Each unit is assessed individually and the overall VRQ is achieved by passing a written assignment between 3000 and 4000 words.

Are there any specific entry requirements for the NVQ/VRQ?
No previous qualifications are required to take these awards; however, candidates should consider the following when making choices on award type:

  • Candidates who choose NVQ assessment will need access to an appropriate operational (functioning) facility (usually their own) on which assessment will be carried out.
  • Candidates who choose the VRQ path will need to refer to their sites' Local Authority Planning Application, Change of use application (as necessary etc.) plus their Permit Application and Working Plan during the Unit Assessment and course Assignment phases.

What are the timescales and relevant training requirements?
The NVQ unit assessment will take place on the candidate's facility. Time for this will be determined by the assessment arrangements between the candidate and the assessor. Candidates should contact WAMITAB's Approved Centres to determine availability of assessments. Details can be found at www.wamitab.org.uk section: ‘Centres'.

The VRQ is based normally on a 5 day course spread over a period of time (i.e. it is not anticipated that this course will be delivered in 5 consecutive days). Candidates should consult Centres for dates and timeframes.
The EPOC is planned as a 2 day course which is likely to be two consecutive days. Details are available via CIWM website www.ciwm.co.uk

Why is there a cost difference in NI and Scotland?
The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 came into force in England and Wales (only) on 6 April 2008. WAMITAB has a responsibility under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Scotland) and (Northern Ireland) respectively to maintain the arrangements for CoTC provision in those countries until the regulations change. The fees to operate the CoTC scheme in Scotland and Northern Ireland to date will be maintained as a result; there is one exception however, candidates who are required to achieve a second or subsequent CoTC in these countries will benefit from a reduction in the 2 nd COTC registration fee etc., in line with England and Wales (£120.00).

Is there any funding to help with the cost of achieving an award?
As funding schemes often vary locally, candidates who wish to pursue funding opportunities should seek guidance from a WAMITAB Centre or their local LSC office or other funding agency as required.

How do I progress from a lower level award to a higher one?
Depending on the type of award required (e.g. NVQ unit) some previous Units from a lower award may be able to be presented (in part or full) as an appropriate measure of competence. In other cases, the earlier award will provide knowledge and understanding within the process of Accreditation of Prior Learning.

How do I progress from the VRQ to comply with the High Risk NVQ requirements?
Centres will guide candidates on the progression opportunities available using Accreditation of Prior Learning. There are no common units between the VRQ and the NVQ awards; however, the Assessor in conjunction with the candidate will draw up an action plan to cover the 12 NVQ units. The VRQ will provide significant underpinning knowledge required for the NVQ and should ensure the candidate is well placed for assessment within a minimal time-frame.

I have a degree does this exempt me from obtaining an award?
No. The appropriate awards are specified within the Technical Competent Person requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 plus associated guidance from Defra/WAG/EA and the CIWM/WAMITAB Waste Operator Competence Scheme 22 December 2008. Depending on the academic Degree, it may help candidates achieve the underpinning knowledge required for the NVQ and hence ensure the candidate is well placed for assessment within a minimal time-frame.

If your question is not included in this section, or you require further information contact WAMITAB (01604 231 950), or e-mail info.admin@wamitab.org.uk