NCO/ Network Construction Operations (Waste Water)

What is the Network Construction Operations (Waste Water) scheme?

The Network Construction Operations Waste Water, NCO (Waste Water) scheme is for individuals working in the utilities sector, who undertake work on waste water networks.  

A Water Network Operative typically works in clean water or waste water, although some multi-utility workers may work across both. Operatives are employed by utility owners, operators or contractors, ranging from small to large companies.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to construct, maintain and repair waste water network infrastructure, and to provide a reliable service to domestic, commercial and industrial users.

 Waste water network assets may include:

• drains and sewers
• chambers, interceptors
• flow control devices
• storage tanks

The work may be planned – construction and maintenance, and reactive – repairs and emergencies. Operatives ensure the site is safe for work, which may include traffic management, excavation and reinstatement activities, using a range of powered equipment and hand tools.

This is an evidence-based scheme. Individuals must have successfully completed and been certificated for the Water Network Operative (Waste Water) Apprenticeship.

The scheme is CSCS affiliated.  EUSR registration carries the CSCS logo, permitting access onto construction sites for the purposes of constructing, maintaining and repairing waste water networks. 

Acceptable Qualifications/Apprenticeships

The following Apprenticeship is accepted as evidence for EUSR registration:

• Water Network Operative (Waste Water) Level 2 Apprenticeship

Evidence requirements

Individuals are required to hold an original qualification certificate, e-certificate or apprenticeship certificate, and unit certificates (where required) for registration purposes.

Individuals are required to submit their certificates with every registration application to ensure the timely processing of registration applications.

Registration categories

The NCO (Waste Water) scheme provides the following registration category:

• NCO (Waste Water) Water Network Operative

Registration pre-requisite

All individuals must hold a valid EUSR registration for SHEA Water or SHEA Drains & Sewers

Registration period

Registration on EUSR as a Water Network Operative (Waste Water) is valid for a period of 5 years and is renewable.

CSCS Card

Individuals will be issued a Blue CSCS Skilled Worker card with NCO (Waste Water) Water Network Operative on the reverse. 

Applications for EUSR Registration

Registration applications can be made via our online shop or directly through our online registration system, QuartzWeb. 

Online shop – applications will include completion of an online registration form, acceptance of specific terms and conditions, and making payment.

QuartzWeb – EUSR Approved Providers and EUSR Approved Trainers may make applications for NCO (Waste Water) scheme registration directly through our online system.

EUSR Registration Renewal

Registration renewal on EUSR is required after 5 years. 

Lost or missing certificates

Where certificates have been lost, or destroyed, or they are photocopies rather than the originals, individuals are advised to obtain replacement certificates as soon as possible.

Replacement certificates may be obtained by contacting the relevant Awarding Organisations, e.g.

• Energy & Environment Awards: www.energyenvironmentawards.co.uk
• City & Guilds: www.cityandguilds.com
• CABWI: www.cabwi.co.uk
• SQA: www.sqa.org.uk 
• Pearson/Edexcel: www.qualifications.pearson.com
• NOCN: www.nocn.org.uk

You will need to provide as much information as you can, as this will enable the Awarding Organisation to search their records and produce a replacement certificate. The information they request to support their search may include:

Full name, date of birth, the name of the qualification you completed, the year you completed the qualification, the name of your training provider or the college you attended.

Quality Assurance and Sampling

EUSR sample registration applications and verify the evidence submitted. This may include liaising with the relevant awarding organisation to confirm a certificate’s authenticity and validity.

Where certificate fraud is suspected, we will not process the application, and we will conduct further checks. This will result in a delay in the registration process.

Where certificate fraud is confirmed, we will carry out the actions laid out in our fraud policy, which includes:

• notifying the relevant Awarding Organisation
• notifying the Police, CSCS, LRQA, individuals, and employer
• removing existing EUSR scheme registrations related to the fraud
• removing access to submit NCO applications, either temporarily or permanently 

How to Apply

EUSR Registration applications can be made via our online shop (add online shoplink here) or directly through our online registration system, QuartzWeb:  

Online shop – applications will include completion of an online registration form, acceptance of specific terms and conditions, make payment and upload the required evidence. 

QuartzWeb – EUSR Approved Providers and EUSR Approved Trainers may make applications for Drainage Network Operative directly through our online system.   

Find Out More

If you have any queries relating to EUSR or the evidence requirements for any of our schemes or programmes, please contact the EUSR Support team. We are available Monday – Thursday,
8.00 am – 5.00 pm, Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm, via email [email protected]  or Tel: 0121 745 1310.