The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Awarding Body is inviting colleges and training providers in England to deliver its new regulated qualification.
The Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Engineering Construction Operations, available for registration from today [17 November 2025], prepares candidates for employment as support operatives.
The qualification is designed to be completed in its entirety within a college or training centre that will then enable a safe progression into the workplace/employment.
It will verify learners are able to work safely in an engineering construction environment; prepare work areas, tools, materials and equipment; perform basic marking out and basic shaping activities; support the assembly, removal and dismantling of components and reinstate the work area after engineering construction activities. They will also be able to interpret and follow documentation and procedures, maintain working relationships and communicate effectively.
“The new qualification creates a first rung on the ladder for people to join the industry and is ideally suited to those learners who have not yet decided which pathway to pursue. It allows them to gain a good entry level grounding in engineering before progressing.
“Support operatives and labourers perform critical manual and support tasks that enable a project to run efficiently, safely and on schedule.
“And the industry needs this pipeline of new workers. Our Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) predicts that the engineering construction industry (ECI) could need around 40,000 additional workers by 2030 for major projects, including those that contribute to the country’s net zero goals. Demand for support operatives may increase by 18% by 2030 according to our LFT.
“We are now calling to colleges and training providers in England to deliver these new qualifications and train the next generation.”
Andrew Hockey
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Chief Executive
Read more on the new qualification including entry requirements, structure and progression opportunities:
ECITB Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Engineering Construction Operations | Ofqual QN: 610/6445/2
The qualification is based on Occupational/Apprenticeship standards and National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the trade, encompassing the required knowledge, skills and behaviours. This ensures the qualifications are relevant and future-proofed.
Engineering construction is a specialised industry that underpins the delivery, maintenance and decommissioning of much of the UK’s critical infrastructure and spans the oil and gas, nuclear, power generation and renewables sectors as well as other process industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, water and waste treatment.
The ECITB Awarding Organisation, develops, and quality assures regulated qualifications in England, Wales and Scotland. ECITB qualifications are the only ones designed specifically for engineering construction and through extensive consultation with ECI employers, they are tailored to meet the needs of industry.
For more information on ECITB regulated qualifications visit:
For more information on applying to be an Approved Centre visit:
