Construction update - January 2022

BTEC Level 1 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment:

Centres should be aware that the specification will be updated shortly to note the specific CITB requirement regarding trainers to hold verifiable, current industry experience and a sufficient depth of relevant occupational expertise and knowledge as well as hold a valid trainer’s qualification. 

Wales

We have just concluded discussions with CITB Wales and Qualifications Wales to ensure selected qualifications remain in apprenticeships (SASW) where there is still a demand and where we are permitted to do so.  

After 31 May 2022 some occupations are restricted: Only the new QW-commissioned CBE qualifications may be used in apprenticeships and for full time under 19 learners, which Pearson does not award, in the following occupations: 

Bricklaying, Site Carpentry, Timber Frame, Solid Plastering, Painting and Decorating, Wall and Floor Tiling, Roof Slating and Tiling, Civil Engineering Operations, Dry Lining, Plant Operations.  

 For classroom-based qualifications, a new GCSE and A Level in Construction will replace all equivalent qualifications (such as BTEC) for these sizes (180 and 360 GLH)

Occupational Work Supervision:

Centres should note that the CITB employer working group have agreed to remove specific, named endorsements against this qualification. These changes will be reflected in the specification shortly.

The following entry requirements apply for anyone taking the OWS NVQ or SVQ and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure all supervisors are competent to carry out their duties regardless of the occupation being supervised:

Learners must have occupational industry experience prior to being registered for the Occupational Work Supervision qualification 

Learners have ability and experience in supervising teams 

Learners must be occupationally competent to at least level 2 or SCQF level 5 in Construction OR be able to show a letter from the employer confirming their suitability and a professional discussion or portfolio of evidence of previous experience.

Qualification Extensions/Withdrawals Reminder

The following qualifications have been extended/withdrawn as follows. For qualification withdrawals, no new learners registrations will be permitted after the dates indicated.