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INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMISED
QUALIFICATIONS
Smart Awards International
Customised Qualifications
At Smart Awards, we understand that global industries face unique challenges — from local regulatory frameworks and workforce capability gaps to language, cultural, and operational differences.
That’s why we offer International Customised Qualifications designed to meet the specific needs of employers, training providers, and industry bodies outside the UK. These qualifications are built around international best practice, UK quality standards, and local relevance, enabling organisations across to certification solutions that raise skills, improve safety, and drive performance.
Customised for You
Qualfications and Customised Training Solutions
01 Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS)
Why NOPS is Essential for Your Business
- Enhanced Safety
Reduces workplace incidents through comprehensive safety training and competency verification - Operational Efficiency
Standardised skills across your workforce ensure consistent, high-quality performance - Regulatory Compliance
Meet industry standards and regulatory requirements with confidence - Workforce Mobility
Portable qualifications enable flexible deployment of skilled personnel
02 Experts in End Point Assessments
We offer real value for employers. Our End-Point Assessments (EPAs) confirm workforce readiness through a trusted, high-quality process. Here's how our expert-led approach delivers clear benefits to employers: Rigorous Competency Validation Our EPAs are designed to thoroughly test practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours against the industry’s required standards. Independent Assessment Standards As an Ofqual-regulated and impartial assessment organisation, we bring complete objectivity to the process. Our assessors are not involved in the training, ensuring fairness and transparency. Comprehensive Skills Evaluation We go beyond surface-level testing. Our assessments combine observation, technical questioning, practical tasks, and professional discussions to give a full picture of the apprentice’s capabilities. Quality Assurance and Consistency Every assessment is backed by robust quality assurance procedures, standardisation protocols, and regular assessor training. Detailed Performance Feedback We don’t just provide a pass/fail outcome. Employers receive clear, structured feedback outlining an apprentice’s strengths and development areas.
03 Qualfications and Customised Training Solutions
Smart Awards Qualifications equip your workforce with industry-recognised skills. We offer targeted, industry-recognised qualifications designed to meet the real demands of your business. Whether you're upskilling existing staff or onboarding new talent, our qualifications help you build a skilled, safe, and compliant workforce—faster and more efficiently. Our customised soluctions are:
- Tailored to your industry needs
- Flexible delivery methods
- Cost-effective
What Are Customised Qualifications?
Customised qualifications are training programmes developed by employers or training providers to meet the specific operational and regulatory needs of international partners. While they are not regulated by Ofqual, they are designed and quality assured to meet the same high standards expected from UK-accredited qualifications.
These qualifications are ideal for:
- Employers needing bespoke training aligned to local or regional regulations
- Government or national training bodies building a skilled workforce
- Global companies wanting consistency across their international operations
- Providers looking to deliver UK-standard training with local flexibility.
Benefits of Smart Awards Customised Qualifications
Bespoke to Local Needs
We work closely with you to design qualifications that reflect your industry, legislation, and workforce capabilities.
Globally Informed, Locally Relevant
Grounded in UK and international best practice, tailored to local context, language, and culture.
Industry Credibility
Each qualification is backed by Smart Awards’ trusted reputation in technical and vocational training, building confidence with employers, regulators, and clients.
Clear Learning Outcomes
Each customised qualification includes clear assessment criteria and certification, ensuring learner focus and employer confidence.
Partner with Smart Awards
Our international customised qualifications are already in use across Europe and Asia, helping governments, employers, and training organisations improve workforce capability and drive economic growth.
- International training providers and colleges
- Government skills and employment programmes
- Industry regulators and sector bodies
- Large employers in telecoms, utilities, and engineering
Together, we can raise standards, close skills gaps, and build future-ready workforces across the globe.
Build Local Skills to Global Standards
Smart Awards is committed to helping international partners build skilled, safe, and productive workforces through high-quality customised training solutions. Let’s work together to create qualifications that make a lasting impact — wherever you are in the world.
Visit www.smartawards.co.uk or contact our team at info@smartawards.co.uk
The Benefits of NOPS in the International Market
As global infrastructure projects continue to grow in complexity and scale, there is increasing demand for a consistent, reliable way to demonstrate workforce competence — especially in sectors such as telecoms, utilities, and construction. The Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS) by Smart Awards offers a practical, scalable solution for international markets seeking to improve safety, compliance, and operational standards.
What is NOPS?
The Network Operative Passport Scheme (NOPS) is a Smart Awards-led initiative designed to record, verify, and manage the skills, qualifications, and competencies of operatives working in technical and high-risk sectors. It acts as a portable, digital passport that employers, clients, and regulators can use to confirm that an individual has the required training and competence to safely carry out specific roles.
Originally developed for the UK telecoms and infrastructure sectors, NOPS is now being adopted internationally as a tool to improve workforce management and raise performance standards.
Key Benefits of NOPS in the International Market
Global Competence, Local Compliance
NOPS can be customised to reflect local regulations and industry practices while maintaining UK-aligned trainaing standards. This makes it ideal for countries looking to upskill their workforce in line with global benchmarks while ensuring compliance with national frameworks.
Workforce Transparency and Verification
The NOPS card — physical or digital — allows employers and site managers to instantly verify an operative’s qualifications, safety training, and job role authorisations. This is especially valuable on large, multi-contractor international projects where verifying credentials across teams and languages can be challenging.
Improved Safety and Reduced Risk
NOPS helps ensure that only properly trained and competent workers are deployed on-site, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, delays, or non-compliance with safety standards — a key concern in many international infrastructure and network build projects.
Efficiency in Training and Onboarding
By holding a standardised record of qualifications, NOPS helps eliminate unnecessary duplication of training when operatives move between projects, employers, or regions. This speeds up onboarding and cuts training costs — especially for contractors managing international workforces.
Digital Management and Oversight
The NOPS database provides a real-time overview of workforce qualifications, allowing employers to manage skills, training renewals, and compliance centrally — ideal for companies with operations in multiple countries or project sites.
Portability Across Borders and Projects
For multinational employers or regional contractors, NOPS offers a portable workforce passport that is recognised across projects and countries. This supports labour mobility and helps ensure consistent standards, no matter where the work is taking place.
Smart Awards’ NOPS scheme gives international employers and governments a proven tool to professionalise their workforce, reduce risk, and raise performance standards across essential industries. By adopting NOPS, you invest not only in safety and efficiency but in the long-term capability of your people.
To explore how NOPS can support your organisation or country’s workforce goals, contact us on info@smartawards.co.uk or visit www.smartpassport.co.uk
