November 2015 work-based learning and colleges update: Construction sector

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, which is 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 course materials and updated workbook

Funding

Please note we have submitted further applications for interim DFE Technical Certificate measures (level 2 qualifications for 16-19 year olds), and will publish results shortly.

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. In 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

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction Occupations

This qualification has now been extended to August 2017 to ensure it can continue to underpin apprenticeship frameworks. However, we are keen to hear centres’ views on how it should be updated, to meet technical knowledge needs, when reformed apprenticeship frameworks supersede the current ones. One option is to include some of the content in a new technical certificate for 16+ learners (as described above to replace the Specialist: Construction qualifications), including grading and external assessment. We will be holding focus groups to gather provider views and input into this.

Qualification withdrawals due to low uptake

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

Pearson Edexcel Level 6 BTECs in Construction and the Built Environment

The qualifications have had low uptake, and we are aware that amendments are required in order to offer a full progression route from level 4 and level 5 and to meet the educational base of IENG. However, we have not yet had sufficient evidence of demand for such a qualification as a progression route, and will only be extending them for 12 months, until 31 October 2016, in their current form.

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.