ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) is a vocational qualification designed to develop comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding of supporting structures used in lifting, construction, engineering, and industrial operations. The diploma introduces learners to structural components, load support principles, stability, safe working practices, and workplace responsibilities. It is relevant to environments where temporary or permanent supporting structures are used to safely support loads, equipment, materials, or operational activities.

The qualification covers essential areas including types of supporting structures, structural components, load distribution, stability principles, ground conditions, support arrangements, structural hazards, inspection requirements, and safe working procedures. Learners develop an understanding of how supporting structures respond to applied loads and why correct selection, positioning, assembly, inspection, and maintenance are important. The course also promotes awareness of risk assessment, workplace controls, communication, personal protective equipment, and the importance of following approved procedures when working with supporting structures.

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) provides structured vocational learning for individuals involved in construction, lifting operations, engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial environments. Through assignment-based learning, learners develop knowledge of structural support systems, hazard identification, load considerations, stability, inspection, and safe workplace coordination. The qualification supports a systematic understanding of supporting structure practices and the responsibilities involved in maintaining safe and controlled working conditions. It is suitable for learners seeking job-relevant knowledge of structural support arrangements and safe operational procedures.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be 18 years of age or older at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: Although formal qualifications are not required, it is recommended that the learner has:
    A Level 2 qualification in lifting operations, construction, or mechanical inspection.
  • Experience: The learner should have basic knowledge of lifting equipment, site infrastructure, or structural frameworks used to support lifting operations.
  • English Language Proficiency: The learner must have a good understanding of written and spoken English to follow instructions, complete assessments, and interpret safety documentation.
  • Physical & Technical Capability: The learner must be physically fit and capable of participating in practical inspection activities involving structural components and access equipment.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Working on Site & Examiner Tool Use
  2. Types of Inspection & Examination
  3. Structural Supports, Beams & Gantries
  4. Platforms, Brackets & Scaffold Tie‑ins
  5. Material Loading Behaviour & Defect Identification
  6. Reporting, Assessment & Certification Procedures

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

1. Working on Site & Examiner Tool Use

  • The learner will follow correct site safety protocols related to structural inspections.
  • The learner will identify and use appropriate examiner tools for inspecting supporting structures.
  • The learner will demonstrate safe working practices when accessing or assessing elevated structures.
  • The learner will prepare and manage equipment required for accurate on-site assessments.

2. Types of Inspection & Examination

  • The learner will differentiate between various types of inspections (visual, detailed, periodic, post-installation).
  • The learner will select and apply appropriate inspection methods based on the structure type and environment.
  • The learner will understand inspection intervals and reporting obligations in line with safety standards.
  • The learner will evaluate when and how to escalate structural concerns or defects.

3. Structural Supports, Beams & Gantries

  • The learner will identify structural components such as support beams, gantries, and braces.
  • The learner will assess the alignment, stability, and integrity of fixed and mobile support systems.
  • The learner will inspect for signs of structural wear, deformation, or overloading.
  • The learner will determine whether structural supports meet regulatory and operational requirements.

4. Platforms, Brackets & Scaffold Tie-ins

  • The learner will recognise and inspect supporting brackets, working platforms, and scaffold tie-in points.
  • The learner will verify secure installation and positioning of fixed and modular support elements.
  • The learner will check for signs of corrosion, instability, or physical damage.
  • The learner will assess the compatibility of supporting structures with lifting or load-bearing operations.

5. Material Loading Behaviour & Defect Identification

  • The learner will understand how different materials behave under various load conditions.
  • The learner will identify common structural defects such as cracks, corrosion, weld failure, and misalignment.
  • The learner will analyse load paths, weight distribution, and support efficiency.
  • The learner will apply safe limits and tolerances in assessing load-bearing capabilities.

6. Reporting, Assessment & Certification Procedures

  • The learner will compile structured reports detailing inspection findings and compliance status.
  • The learner will use correct terminology and format when documenting structural assessments.
  • The learner will recommend corrective actions or removal from service based on findings.
  • The learner will understand certification processes and legal obligations associated with structural inspections.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) gives the learner a strong foundation in structural safety, inspection, and compliance within lifting operations. This qualification is highly valued in sectors such as construction, offshore, utilities, engineering, logistics, and heavy industry—where structural integrity is vital for safe lifting and load-bearing operations.

Career Progression Opportunities:

  • The learner may progress into roles such as:
    • Structural Support Inspector
    • Rigging Safety Technician
    • Scaffolding Compliance Officer
    • Site Structural Safety Operative
    • Temporary Works Coordinator (Support Systems)
  • Eligibility to inspect and certify fixed, mobile, or modular structures used in lifting operations.
  • Increased access to roles that require inspection of load-supporting frameworks, lifting points, scaffold brackets, and structural beams.

Further Qualifications & Training Routes:

  • Advance to the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Supporting Structures, which focuses on advanced inspection, lifecycle planning, structural analysis, and technical leadership.
  • Pursue related qualifications in:
    • Lifting Accessories
    • Powered and Manual Lifting Machines
    • Mechanical Integrity & Inspection Management
    • Safety and Compliance in Temporary Works

Long-term Professional Development:

  • Improve eligibility for competency cards and structural safety certification schemes.
  • Enhance international mobility for site-based and technical inspection roles on global projects.
  • Lay the foundation for becoming a structural safety auditor, technical supervisor, or inspection lead within regulated industries.

This diploma equips the learner with the credibility, skillset, and recognised certification to progress confidently within the structural safety and lifting equipment inspection field.

FAQs

This diploma is ideal for learners working in construction, offshore, rigging, scaffolding, or lifting operations. It is suitable for those responsible for evaluating the safety and stability of structural supports used in lifting or load-bearing environments.

Learners must be at least 18 years old. A Level 2 qualification or relevant practical experience in lifting, rigging, or structural safety is recommended. Good English language skills and physical capability are also essential.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) is 30 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Structures (SUP) consist of 6 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%