The certificate is based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the ventilation industry which are developed by Standard Setting Organisations in consultation with employers and other stakeholders across each of the UK nations.

Working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to create a Customised Award which is also credit rated on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), the certificate guarantees the highest possible standards of competence and compliance. 

Joe Lloyd, chief executive of Paddeco explained: “The ventilation hygiene industry is growing quickly, and, rightly so, there is ever more emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) and the cleaning of ventilation systems, a requirement under The Building Regulations, approved document “F” Means of Ventilation. 

He added: “Although there have been a number of short courses available to the sector, introducing the practices of cleaning systems, they have fallen far too short of the assessment requirements of the BSEHV11, the NOS for cleaning industrial ventilation systems, and several other relevant NOS.” 

The recent statement issued by the Construction Leadership Council, following the recommendations from the Grenfell inquiry, will mandate operatives to hold a minimum of a Level 2 qualification within their job role. This Certificate will help them bridge that gap, considering there is currently no Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) qualification available for the industry. 

Peter Reid, President of the NAADUK added: “This Ventilation Hygiene Certificate will allow our industry’s operatives to have their skills and knowledge assessed against the industry’s National Occupational Standards, helping to create a platform, to then follow an upskilling programme, within the ventilation sector. 

He concluded: “It will provide each learner with a fantastic opportunity to understand the new code of practice for our industry, NAAD21, and for them to be taught the principles and practices of ventilation hygiene, investigation surveys, testing, and post inspection reporting. This will increase their knowledge of the principles, equipment, and components within a ventilation system. They will also be introduced to the process of decommissioning and the installation of components, within a ventilation system, opening the door to possible maintenance roles within the sector.” 

As per the values and principles of Paddeco, every learner who registers for the Ventilation Hygiene Certificate will have full access to Paddeco’s team of experienced industry assessors, who between them have spent over 80 years on the tools. These assessors will spend time with each learner, observing them in-person, on-site, as well as assisting them remotely, to ensure they get the very best of their time on the programme.