September 2015 work-based learning and colleges update

Construction Sector Update September 2015

New Free Teaching Resources for BTEC Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

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.

Access the materials and the updated workbook (Edexcel Online Log in required). 

Funding Update

We are pleased to confirm our recent applications to the SFA for 19+ stand-alone funding have been successful for the following qualifications:

We have submitted further applications in September for both 19+ Adult funding and DFE Technical Certificate measures (level 2 qualifications for 16-19 year olds) and will publish results shortly.

Qualification Extensions

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

These qualifications have been extended for a further year until 30th 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.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction Occupations:

We are planning to extend this qualification so that it can continue to be used in advanced apprenticeships

Qualification Withdrawals due to low uptake

We propose to withdraw the following qualifications due to low uptake – please contact gabriel.staples@pearson.com if you have continued demand, or predict an increase in demand for 2015 and 2016, otherwise they will be closed to new learner registrations according to the following schedule:
 

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 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 are currently considering withdrawal. We are therefore very keen to hear your feedback about potentially updating or withdrawing these qualifications.

If you have feedback on these, 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