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

Funding

We are pleased to report that DfE has provisionally accepted our application for funding against the Technical Certificate measures (level 2 qualifications for 16-19 year olds) for the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Occupations 600/3254/6. This is subject to an amendment to our Statement of Purpose, which will be published by 31 January 2016, after which DfE should include this qualification on lists of funded qualifications.

Qualification amendments

The current version of the Pearson Edexcel Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management has been extended until 28 February 2016, at which point a new version will replace it, to meet new National Occupational Standards set by industry.

Centre approval to the new version will be transferred at that point, and specifications will be issued online as soon as we have them.

Qualification extensions

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.

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

These qualifications have been extended for a further year until 30 September 2016, so 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 intend to develop qualifications to meet new DfE performance measures across a number of practical trades, which will eventually replace the above qualifications - see below.

We are considering a further interim extension until September 2017, so that learners can continue to enrol during the 2016/2017 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 the 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
• Tiling
• Plumbing
• Painting/ Decorating

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

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.

Download course materials and updated workbook  (Edexcel Online login 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.