As the UK construction industry continues to evolve with a growing emphasis on collaborative project delivery, the role of a Design Coordinator has become increasingly crucial. The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Design Coordinator provides the opportunity for professionals to gain a nationally recognised qualification that validates their competence in coordinating design-related processes within construction projects.
The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Design Coordinator is a work-based qualification that confirms an individual’s ability to carry out their role efficiently and to industry standards. This diploma is tailored specifically for individuals involved in managing design information, liaising with design teams, and supporting the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant design documentation throughout the construction process.
The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Design Coordinator is a practical, industry-focused qualification for those managing and coordinating design within construction projects. Whether you are currently in a design support role or aspiring to take on greater responsibility, this diploma provides the foundation and recognition needed to grow professionally and contribute effectively to successful project delivery.
Program Highlights
Mandatory Units
- Operate health, safety and welfare systems in construction
- Prepare programmes and schedules of work in construction
- Operate project information systems in construction
- Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction
- Integrate and control project design information in construction
- Optional Units –
- Prepare for, collect, analyse and present survey data in construction
- Record the condition of property in construction
- Prepare for work operations in construction
- Prepare for and carry out physical testing in construction
- Prepare proposals and obtain feedback for the provision of products and services in construction
- Prepare and process invitations to tender in construction
- Prepare estimates, bids and tenders in construction
- Monitor, maintain and improve supplies of materials in construction
- Recommend and monitor supplies of plant and equipment in construction
- Prepare drawings and schedules in construction
- Assess, plan and monitor project methods and progress in construction
- Prepare and monitor costs and accounts in construction
- Implement contract work in construction
- Establish and maintain the dimensional control of construction works
- To ensure candidates are well-positioned to succeed in this qualification, the following entry requirements apply:
- Minimum Age
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrolment. It is recommended that candidates be 18 or over, given the professional nature of the role and workplace-based assessments.
- Educational Background
- There are no specific academic qualifications required for this course. However, a basic level of education, such as GCSEs or equivalent, particularly in English and Mathematics, may be advantageous for understanding technical documentation and communication.
- Work Experience
- Candidates must be employed in a relevant role within the construction industry that involves design coordination responsibilities. This includes managing design documentation, liaising with design professionals, and supporting the integration of design into construction projects. Adequate experience is necessary to demonstrate competence through real workplace activities.
- Language Proficiency
- Learners must have a good command of the English language to effectively communicate in a professional construction environment, follow assessment requirements, and complete written documentation. For non-native English speakers, a proficiency equivalent to CEFR Level B2 is advisable.
- These requirements ensure that learners are equipped to engage fully with the qualification and demonstrate the required performance in a live working environment.
Operate health, safety and welfare systems in construction
- Apply legal and regulatory frameworks related to health, safety, and welfare.
- Implement effective systems to manage workplace safety.
- Promote a culture of safety and wellbeing on site.
- Monitor and maintain compliance with health and welfare procedures.
Prepare programmes and schedules of work in construction
- Develop logical project timelines based on resources and constraints.
- Utilise planning tools to create efficient construction schedules.
- Identify key milestones and critical paths in project delivery.
- Adjust and update schedules to reflect project changes.
Operate project information systems in construction
- Use digital systems to manage and disseminate project information.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Facilitate effective communication between project stakeholders.
- Ensure information security and proper archiving of project data.
Develop and maintain working relationships and personal development in construction
- Establish positive and professional relationships with team members and stakeholders.
- Apply interpersonal and communication skills in collaborative environments.
- Reflect on personal skills and performance to identify development areas.
- Create and follow a personal development plan to support career growth.
Integrate and control project design information in construction
- Collect and coordinate all relevant design inputs across project teams.
- Review and verify accuracy and consistency of design documents.
- Ensure version control and timely distribution of design updates.
- Support alignment of design data with construction execution.
Optional Units
Prepare for, collect, analyse and present survey data in construction
- Plan and execute accurate construction site surveys.
- Analyse collected data using standard methods and tools.
- Interpret survey results to support design or project planning.
- Present findings using charts, maps, and technical documentation.
Record the condition of property in construction
- Inspect and assess the condition of structures and components.
- Document observed defects and deterioration effectively.
- Prepare comprehensive reports supported by photographic or measured evidence.
- Recommend appropriate repair or maintenance strategies.
Prepare for work operations in construction
- Identify resources and methods needed for specific work activities.
- Plan for logistics, equipment, and workforce coordination.
- Establish procedures and communicate work requirements.
- Monitor readiness and resolve potential operational issues.
Prepare for and carry out physical testing in construction
- Select appropriate tests for construction materials or structures.
- Follow procedures to conduct reliable and safe testing.
- Record test data and evaluate results for compliance.
- Use test outcomes to inform construction decisions.
Prepare proposals and obtain feedback for the provision of products and services in construction
- Develop structured proposals for construction products or services.
- Engage with clients and stakeholders to obtain relevant feedback.
- Refine proposals based on feedback and project needs.
- Present and justify proposals in a professional context.
Prepare and process invitations to tender in construction
- Draft clear and comprehensive tender documentation.
- Organise and manage the tender process efficiently.
- Assess responses for compliance and value.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in contractor selection.
Prepare estimates, bids and tenders in construction
- Calculate cost estimates for labour, materials, and overheads.
- Prepare competitive and well-documented bids.
- Align bids with client requirements and industry standards.
- Submit tenders according to defined procedures.
Monitor, maintain and improve supplies of materials in construction
- Track usage and inventory of materials on site.
- Coordinate timely procurement to avoid project delays.
- Identify and reduce material wastage.
- Recommend strategies to optimise supply chains.
Recommend and monitor supplies of plant and equipment in construction
- Assess project needs for plant and equipment.
- Recommend suitable options based on performance and cost.
- Monitor usage and maintenance of equipment.
- Maintain records and ensure timely availability.
Prepare drawings and schedules in construction
- Produce detailed technical drawings aligned with project specifications.
- Develop schedules that reflect work phases and timelines.
- Coordinate drawings with design and construction teams.
- Use software tools for drafting and scheduling.
Assess, plan and monitor project methods and progress in construction
- Evaluate construction methods for efficiency and compliance.
- Develop method statements and risk assessments.
- Track project progress and implement corrective actions.
- Report on project status and performance indicators.
Prepare and monitor costs and accounts in construction
- Create accurate cost plans and budgets.
- Track actual expenditures and manage financial records.
- Identify variances and recommend corrective action.
- Prepare financial reports to support decision-making.
Implement contract work in construction
- Interpret contract terms and apply them to on-site operations.
- Coordinate works in line with contractual obligations.
- Resolve conflicts or non-compliance issues.
- Monitor performance to ensure delivery of contractual outcomes.
Establish and maintain the dimensional control of construction works
- Set out construction works to exact design specifications.
- Use measurement equipment to verify tolerances and dimensions.
- Document and report on dimensional accuracy.
- Adjust and control works based on ongoing measurements.
The ProQual Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations – Design Coordinator is tailored for individuals working within the design and planning functions of the construction industry. This qualification is suitable for:
Learners who prefer a flexible, work-based qualification aligned with real project responsibilities
Professionals currently employed in a design coordination or technical support role within construction
Individuals responsible for managing design documentation and facilitating communication between design and construction teams
Technicians, assistants, or junior coordinators seeking formal recognition of their skills and competence
Candidates working toward a CSCS Gold Card or industry-recognised certification
Construction professionals aiming to progress into senior design management or technical planning roles
Employers looking to upskill staff involved in design and document control processes
