Due to various changes in legislation and changes to training qualifications it has suddenly got a bit complicated in the WAMITAB Certificate of Technical Competence arena. In order to try and simplify and provide some clarity to the matter we have prepared the following brief guide.
Please note – this guidance does not affect existing candidates.
England and Wales –
Main changes are –
QCF Framework
Qualification are now in the QCF framework – for full list of all the qualifications Albion is qualified to deliver please click here
Risk Tiers
The risk tiers have now been upgraded to reflect changes with QCF and also the EA Standard rules permits – information on the risk tiers is available here
Continuing Competence
In England and Wales only CIWM and WAMITAB's Operator Competence Scheme (the Scheme) has a requirement for individuals to keep their competence up to date. Therefore all competent persons falling within the Scheme will be required to demonstrate ‘Continuing Competence’ and this will be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the facility so that it remains proportional. Further information available at https://www.albion-environmental.co.uk/WAMITAB-CIWM-continuing-competence-test.php
Candidates with existing awards wishing to upgrade their qualifications should contact us. Prior to contacting us it would be useful if you either have your certificates or the exact description that is on your certificate. This will allow us to advise you what is the correct award.
If you cannot find the award you need please do not hesitate to contact us.
Scotland
We are currently in a position in Scotland where we can continue to provide the existing awards (delivered via SQA) or the QCF awards (delivered via WAMITAB) detailed in England and Wales section above. We can provide advise as to which is the most appropriate for your situation.
The main change in Scotland is the Waste regulations 2011 – Scotland, “removed the need for a Certificate of Technical Competence (CoTC) to demonstrate that a person is suitably qualified to hold a waste management licence”. We are currently trying to get some clarity from SEPA regarding the impact of this change. At present most sites will have either a WML or PPC which states that they must have a COTC holder on site and this change in legislation will not alter your WML or PPC. It is possible that SEPA will allow you to modify your WML / PPC to remove that condition but there will be a modification fee to pay.
Our view is that the WAMITAB qualifications have been available for over 15 years and are a tried and tested method for demonstrating candidates are competent to manage your site. This change in law does not change that and these qualifications continue to offer significant benefit to candidates and employers alike.
Northern Ireland
The Waste Management Licensing Regulations NORTHERN IRELAND (2003) remain in forcee and the need for a Certificate of Technical Competence (CoTC) to demonstrate that a person is suitably qualified to hold a waste management licence.
We are currently in a position in Northern Ireland where we can continue to provide the existing awards (delivered via SQA) or the QCF awards (delivered via WAMITAB) detailed in England and Wales section above. We can provide advise as to which is the most appropriate for your situation.