May 2018 Construction Update
This May 2018 update covers changes to NVQ, Apprenticeships updates and a general update on BTEC Nationals.
NVQ Changes and Updates
The following NVQs will be updated to new national occupational standards this year:
- L2 Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services (highways, general and roadbuilding)
- L2 Wood Occupations
- L2 Site Logistics Operations
- L2 and L3 Accessing Operations and Rigging
A reminder that the following qualifications were updated for the beginning of 2018:
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations (Construction) 603/2836/8
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Demolition (Construction) 603/2843/5
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations - Slinger/ Signaller (Construction) 603/2841/1
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi Trade Repair and Refurbishment Operations (Construction) 603/2837/X*
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Specialist Concrete Occupations (Construction) 603/2840/X
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Cladding Occupations (Construction) 603/2842/3
*Please note the qualification is being updated to allow unit ‘Preparing Background Surfaces in Plastering, Tiling, Paneling and Painting Decorating’ in BMMTRRO L2 to be undertaken more than once, for learners who need to evidence achievement in more than one of these trades.
New BTEC Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (Qualification linking to Green CSCS Labourers’ Card)
A reminder that the qualification was updated on 1 February 2018 with approval automatically transferred for qualifying centres.
The two main changes are the new assessment criteria as follows:
- 1.10 State the Purpose of Dynamic Risk Assessments and
- 5.3 State the importance of safeguards located near where plant, machinery and equipment are being used
In addition we have updated the free workbook for delivery and assessment and the specification to improve the content and centre guidance e.g. on malpractice.
The workbook for assessment contains contextualised case studies, questions and up-to-date scenarios to help both teaching and the gathering of evidence, with free teaching materials for centres (Edexcel Online log in required).
For more details please contact customer services on 0844 576 0045.
New BTEC Nationals from September 2017 - now approved by DfE
A reminder that new BTEC Nationals in Construction and the Built Environment, including Civil Engineering and Building Services Engineering* specialist qualifications, are now approved by the DfE as meeting Tech Level performance criteria. A full list of qualifications and further information including resources, authorised assignment briefs, sample assessment materials and delivery guides are available.
See the full list of qualifications
All qualifications in the suite have now been recognised in England and Wales and are included in English apprenticeship frameworks. Qualifications will be updated into Welsh frameworks as soon as possible where this hasn't already taken place.
2010 BTEC Nationals remain available and with the intention of offering dual running of these to allow candidate registrations until 31 December 2019.
*Building Services Engineering for Technicians pathway within the ‘Building Services Engineering Technology & Project Management’ Framework remains QCF only until it is replaced by the Trailblazer Standard
BTEC First/ Tech Award Update
Pearson submitted a new Tech Award to the DfE in March, for consideration on the 2020 performance tables for first teaching 2018. This is designed to meet new the DfE requirements for synoptic assessment and a greater proportion of mandatory core.
Content has been refreshed from the 2012 BTEC First. The focus is on sustainability in the built environment and an external assessment more focused on applying synoptic knowledge to situations presented rather than specifically focusing on the theoretical science and maths previously examined.
Apprenticeships Update
Pearson are supporting new standards with selected development of End-point assessments during 2018 and 2019 in Construction. These are likely to include:
- Property Maintenance Operative
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Lifting Technician
- Bricklaying*
- Painting/ decorating*
*once standards approved.
New HNC and HND’s in construction are now included in the higher level frameworks and have replaced the QCF version at level 4 on our systems (registration end date of 31 December 2018). Level 5 HND QCF is still available for those centres with learners needing to progress from QCF L4 to L5. Any existing Technical Certificates, NVQ’s and other competence qualifications are being extended to ensure continuity of provision, as above.
Current and anticipated product replacements for SASE frameworks to reformed ‘Trailblazer’ standards
Note that most standards do not specify mandatory qualifications, but listed below are qualifications that may be suitable as they cover much of the on-programme knowledge/ skill requirements. Unless mandated, the choice of a qualification will be down to the employer to agree with providers.
Qualifications |
SASE Framework |
New Standard & Qualifications |
Available / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations | Trowel Occupations (Bricklaying) | Bricklayer Level 2 Does not mandate an NVQ though NVQ and knowledge qualification may be used, subject to employer acceptance. |
Standard approved March 2017 (Assessment Plan still in development). Existing NVQ L2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations may be acceptable. |
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations, BTEC Diploma in Construction Occupations (Carpentry/ Joinery) | Intermediate Construction Building: Wood Occupations | Carpentry and Joinery (Site Carpenter, Architectural Joiner) Existing NVQ L2 Diploma in Wood Occupations & BTEC Diploma (optional) can be used, but may be subject to minor amendments to meet additional specialist knowledge). |
Launched February 2018. |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction Occupations |
Advanced Construction Building: Wood Occupations | Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Carpentry and Joinery (Site Carpenter, Architectural Joiner) Existing NVQ L3 Diploma in Wood Occupations |
In development. |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction Occupations |
Construction Specialist: Plastering | Plasterer No qualifications specified, though NVQ L3 and existing knowledge qualification may be used, subject to employer acceptance. |
Standard approved March 2017 (Assessment Plan still in development). NVQ 3 and BTEC L3 may be acceptable route to meet on-programme requirements, as the standard links to the same CSCS requirements for NVQ, subject to individual employer approval |
| L2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi Trade Repair/ Refurbishment | Intermediate Construction Building: Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair/ Refurbishment | Property Maintenance Operative Portfolio and research assignment (qualifications not mandatory) |
Available now. Note this is not a like-for-like replacement standard. Construction NVQ e.g. Building Maintenance Multi-Trade/ Wood Occupations / Painting & Decorating can cover much of the skill standards. |
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – slinger signaller Level 2 NVQ Certificate/ Diploma in Construction Plant Operations BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Occupations |
Construction Civil Engineering: Controlling Lifting Operations, and Construction Plant Operations |
Lifting Technician Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting Operations – slinger signaller Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Plant Operations (mobile/ tower/ crawler/ crane units) Approved industry tests to meet knowledge curriculum |
Live February 2018. Note this is not a like-for-like replacement, with two NVQ’s now recommended covering the role of ‘Lifting Technician’ |
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Surveying, Property and Maintenance BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment (Surveying) |
Surveying | Surveying Technician Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment/ Subsidiary Diploma (Surveying pathway) |
Available now. Surveying units/ pathway should be undertaken. |
| Pearson Edexcel Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Site Supervision Pearson BTEC HNC Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment |
Construction Management: Site Supervision | Construction Site Supervisor Qualifications not mandatory. Portfolio & knowledge evidence against standard. |
In development. BTEC HNC Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment confirmed as acceptable with employer group to meet knowledge requirements. NVQ L4 Diploma in Site Supervision may meet portfolio evidence requirements subject to mapping & individual employer approval |
| Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment |
Construction Technical & Professional: Civil Engineering for Technicians | Civil Engineering Technician No specific qualifications are specified. Current Pearson Civil Engineering BTEC National and Civil Engineering competence qualifications, aligned to EngTech, may be acceptable to employers. |
Live October 2017. A portfolio of evidence signed off by the employer including an element of external verification and assessment |
| Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering for Technicians BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering) |
Building Services Engineering Technology & Project Management: Building Services Engineering Design Technician |
Building Services Design Technician BTEC L3 Diploma in Construction & Built Environment (Building Services Engineering) for knowledge and L3 Diploma for Building Services Engineering Technicians |
Live October 2017. A like-for-like replacement of Pearson qualifications in current framework. |
| L2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations & Civil Engineering Services – Highways Maintenance | Civil Engineering - Highways Maintenance | Highways Maintenance (Skilled Operative) | In development. |
| L2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork | Civil engineering - Formwork | Formworker. The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Formwork is anticipated to meet competence requirements for this standard. |
In development. |
*Note that the above SASE Frameworks are not necessarily withdrawn, even when replacements are available, but are notified centrally.
New Frameworks (where Occupations not previously covered by SASE)
| Occupation | Relationship to Previous Qualifications / SASE | Pearson Qualification / Services to meet standard | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Fixer | None | NVQ L2 Diploma in Steel Fixing Occupations | In development |
| Piling Attendant | None | NVQ L2 Diploma in Piling Operations | In development |
| Assembly Technician | None | NVQ L2 Diploma in Erection of Precast Concrete | In development |
| Digital Engineering Technician | NVQ 3 Diploma in Built Environment Design, BTEC L3 Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment |
NVQ L3 Diploma in Built Environment Design It is anticipated that a revised BTEC L3 Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment will meet this new standard from 2017 |
Live January 2018 |
| Rail Engineering Design Technician | A specialist discipline derived from ‘Civil Engineering for Technicians’ SASE Framework in response to employer demand. | BTEC L3 Diploma in Engineering (720) incl. contextualized project unit SV Service to meet portfolio evidence requirements, for which centres can seek approval |
September 2015 |
| Transport Planning Technician | A specialist discipline derived from ‘Civil Engineering for Technicians’ SASE F/W in response to employer demand. | BTEC L3 Diploma in Transport Planning for Technicians incl. contextualized project unit SV Service to meet portfolio evidence requirements, for which centres can seek approval |
September 2016 |
| Construction Site Engineering Technician | No direct relationship. Possible progression route from Construction Contracting Operations L3 and a relationship to L4 Site Supervision (see above). | BTEC L4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) | Live 2018 |
| Construction Design & Build Technician | No direct relationship. Possible progression route from civil Engineering Design technician at L3. | BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment | Expected 2018 |
| Building Services Engineering Technician | No direct relationship | BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment | Expected 2018 |
| Power Network Craftsperson | No direct relationship | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or general) | Live 2016 |
| Utilities Engineering Technician | No direct relationship | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering (e.g. general, mechanical or electrical) | Live 2016 |