Competence Frameworks

Competence is more than holding a qualification – it’s the blend of skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEB’s) that enable individuals to carry out their roles safely, effectively, and to recognised industry standards. In construction, this is critical for maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency across all levels of the workforce.

Competence Frameworks provide a structured way to define, measure, and develop competence for different occupations. They set out clear expectations for workers, employers, and training providers, ensuring that competence is assessed not just through qualifications, but also through practical performance, professional behaviour, and ongoing development.

They bring value to the industry by:

- Improving safety: ensuring workers are properly trained and able to apply their skills in real-world situations

- Raising quality standards: providing a benchmark for consistent and reliable performance across roles

- Supporting career progression: giving individuals clear pathways for development and recognition of their skills

- Guiding training and qualifications: aligning education and on-site learning with industry needs

- Ensuring compliance: helping employers meet regulatory requirements such as the Building Safety Act

With the construction industry continually evolving, both National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Competence Frameworks will play a vital role in shaping training, updating standards, and guiding the development of future qualifications. CITB GB is currently leading the work on competence frameworks in collaboration with industry partners, which may also inform future reviews of NOS to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

If you would like to get involved in this important work, please contact: [email protected]

For more detail, you can explore the full CITB NI Competence in Construction Report (2025)