April 2016 work-based learning and colleges update: Construction sector

Reformed 'Trailblazer' apprenticeships in the Construction sector

As you may be aware the government is reforming apprenticeships which require employers to set new standards and assessment plans for apprenticeships, with an emphasis on End Point Assessment.

Find out more about Pearson's new apprenticeships offering

Pearson is fully supporting employer groups as they develop new standards for occupations between level 2 and 6. We are encouraging involvement of the existing provider network to ensure successful transition and take up, developing pre-apprenticeship and on-programme qualifications and assessment services and providing End Point Assessment in our areas of expertise.

Where standards are a direct replacement, there will be a transition period and dual running of apprenticeships, which may be up to 2017 and beyond. The government hopes to have ended all current SASE frameworks by 2018 although this may change depending on development progress.

For more information on new construction standards and how this may affect providers, please contact us.

A summary of some key standards being developed in Construction:

Railway Engineering Design Technician

A new standard, for civil engineering technicians involved in designing rail infrastructure. Includes a BTEC National in Engineering and approval for a new Standards Verification Service for skills-based evidence portfolio. Initially delivered by lead centre on contract.

Anticipated launch: Live from 1 September 2015.

Transport Planning Design Technician

A new standard for civil engineering design technicians, for those involved in planning transport infrastructure. To include a new BTEC qualification and a standards verification service of skills-based portfolio.

Anticipated launch: 1 September 2016.

Building Services Design Technician

This will be an updated version of the current Building Services Engineering for Technician SASE Apprenticeship, and the standard has been submitted to BIS for review. We expect the on-programme element to be achieved by a BTEC National in construction and the built environment with a verified portfolio against the skills required.

Anticipated launch: 2017 TBC.

Carpentry & Joinery/ Advanced Carpentry & Joinery

A level 2 Apprenticeship for carpenters and joiners, to include achievement of the NVQ and assessment by professional discussion at end.

Anticipated launch: TBC.

Master Bricklayer/ Plasterer

Currently planned to be a level 3 apprenticeship for Master Bricklayer and Master Plasterer. Pearson is hopeful that the group will incorporate a level 2 standard in the same occupations, to meet the needs of the majority of the workforce.

Anticipated launch: TBC.

Surveying Technician

L3 Diplomas are specified as acceptable components of the apprenticeship to meet the knowledge requirements as on programme achievement. This can include the BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Surveying). Pearson plans to undertake mapping to ensure the standards will be met by the BTEC Diploma, and design the new version of the BTEC for 2017 to continue to incorporate these standards. Evidence of on-programme competence is be demonstrated by a portfolio of evidence, mapped to the standards (not necessarily an NVQ). Providers can agree the programme used with Employers, who will expect them to demonstrate that their approach meet the standards required, whatever the method chosen. End Point Assessment is a professional review by RICS.

Anticipated launch: Live from 1 September 2015.

Construction Site Technician and Manager (various)

Standards at level 4 and 6 to cover Contracting disciplines at technician level (such as site supervision, quantity surveying, site surveying, site engineering) and for Site Management in Civil and Building Services Engineering. Industry training such as Site Safety Certificates and a workbook are currently specified to evidence on-programme competence requirements, but existing NVQs may also map to the standard. HNC is recommended as a component for knowledge at L4 with selected BTEC National Units identified as a possible entry route in the first year for those without a Level 3 qualification. End Point Assessment is likely to be incorporate Professional Body review.

Anticipated launch: 1 September 2016.

View a list of all trailblazer apprenticeships on GOV.UK

Qualification amendments

Please note that the current version of the Pearson Edexcel Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management has been further extended until 30 April 2016 and will again be extended during this month so centres can avoid a gap in provision before we make the replacement version live.

This replacement meets new National Occupational Standards set by industry but we are still agreeing changes to the units in order to meet our regulatory requirements. Centre approval to the new version will be transferred as soon as the new version is ready and at that point and specifications will be issued online.

Qualification extensions

BTEC Level 2 Award and Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment (Specialist: Construction)

These qualifications have been further extended until 31 August 2017 due to continued customer demand. They can continue to be used by providers, particularly as a more practical alternative to BTEC First qualifications, for learners in full or part time education. During 2016 we are developing qualifications to meet new DfE performance measures across a number of practical trades, which will eventually replace these qualifications, see below.

We are considering a further interim extension until September 2017 so that learners can continue to enrol during the 16/17 academic year, after which it will be replaced by new Level 2 Technical Certificates, below.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Occupations and new, Practical Level 2 Post-16 Technical Certificates for work

This BTEC has now been extended to August 2017 to ensure it can continue to underpin apprenticeship frameworks. It has also received provisional approval by DfE to meet the interim funding measures. However when apprenticeship frameworks reform it will no longer apply to this market, so it will be replaced by new, practical Technical Certificates for 16+ age learners to help prepare for direct entry to employment. This is intended to meet full DfE criteria and as described above will also replace the BTEC ‘Specialist: Construction’ qualifications). Topics will include:

• Bricklaying
• Joinery/ Carpentry
• Plumbing 
• Painting/ Decorating.

It will include grading and external assessment. We have carried out consultation and will continue to do so during early 2016.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction Occupations

This qualification has now been extended until 31 August 2017 so that it can continue to underpin level 3 advanced apprenticeships in certain trades.

Funding

We're pleased to report that DfE accepted our application for funding against the interim Technical Certificate measures (level 2 qualifications for 16-19 year olds) for the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Occupations 600/3254/6. We also received approval for our Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations 601/2500/7 as part of learner's non-core entitlement. Separate to DFE funding for core and non-core entitlements, we plan to continue to apply for qualifications to be eligible for loans. In addition, SFA are automatically reviewing our currently funded, and eligible non-funded qualifications for future 16/17 funding under 'local flexibility' criteria for providers.

Sign up for our funding newsletter and more information on new funding processes

New free teaching resources for BTEC Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (Qualification linking to Green CSCS Labourers’ Card)

Pearson has updated the workbook, available free to centres to gather knowledge evidence for this qualification. It contains more contextualised case studies, questions and up-to-date scenarios to help both teaching and the gathering of evidence.

We have also developed free teaching materials with images and content designed to aid delivery and provide an engaging learning experience for the learner. This is mapped to each learning outcome and is designed to accompany the workbook.

View materials and updated workbook (Edexcel online log in required)

Qualification withdrawals due to low uptake

The following qualifications have been set to be closed to new registrations 

If you have feedback on these, or any other areas in which you would like Pearson to develop qualifications, or would like to be involved in consultation, please contact us.

For more details please contact customer services on 0844 576 0045.