Engineering update - July 2019

As part of our review of our Level 2 and 3 technical suite of qualifications, we are withdrawing the Level 2 Technical Diploma in Engineering.

The reason for withdrawing is that the qualification listed below met one or more of the following criteria:

• Less than 100 learner registrations per year over the last 2 years (DfE low/no registration criteria)
• Does not lead into a recognised Level 2 Job role or Apprenticeship Standard at Level 2
• Content is not fit for purpose
• Does not meet licence to practice criteria

Engineering

603/0421/2 Pearson BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Engineering

Last registration date - 31st January 2020

Last certification date - 30th September 2021

Last date for external assessment - 30th April 2021

Suggested alternative qualifications

• 603/4722/3 Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Mandated qualification in the Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard for an Engineering Operative)
• 600/6628/3 Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Engineering
• 600/6630/1 Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Engineering
• 601/0545/8 Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Engineering

There are a series of Engineering Network events planned for September and October 2019.

These will be held on the following dates/locations:

• Thursday 12th September - North East
• Wednesday 18th September - North West
• Wednesday 2nd October - Midlands
• Wednesday 9th October - South West
• Wednesday 18th October - South East/London
  

For more details and confirmed locations

If you are interested in attending please book your space soon as places are limited.  

These events will cover all things Engineering from Level 1 to Level 5, from Pre 16 to Post 16, from full time study programmes to Apprenticeships and are a great opportunity for you to ask questions and to network with other providers in your area.

As part of the new review process, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) have announced a review into Apprenticeship Standards within the Engineering and Manufacturing sector.  The review will focus on many of the standards which were approved prior to the Institute being responsible for Apprenticeships. They are preparing for the consultation by identifying standards that will be reviewed and engaging with the employer groups and relevant stakeholders.  It is anticipated that the consultation will commence later in 2019 with outcomes and recommendations being published in 2020. It is unlikely that any recommendations and changes required will be implemented prior to September 2020. More information on this review will be available shortly.  This review follows the pilot review carried out with the Digital sector.

For more information on the review process

The Engineering Fitter Standard has now been approved for delivery on the IfA website.

For details on the Apprenticeship standard

This standard is funded at £21,000 per learner and has 1 mandatory qualification.  This is the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge).

For more information on this qualification

The Metal Fabricator Standard has now been approved for delivery. 

For details on the Apprenticeship standard

The final funding band has been confirmed as £27,000 per learner and has 1 mandatory qualification.  This is the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge).

For more information on this qualification

The Level 2 Engineering Operative standard is now ready for delivery.

For details on this Apprenticeship standard

Pearson have developed the new Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations which is one of the mandatory on programme qualifications.

For more information on this qualification

At present, we do not have the skills/competence based qualification available.  This can be completed through City and Guilds or EAL.

The Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative standard has had the standard approved and has submitted the assessment plan for approval in May 2019.

For details on this Apprenticeship standard

It is expected that the approval to deliver will be confirmed by the Institute will be before the end of June. 

For more information on the mandatory on programme qualification for this standard

We are currently developing new knowledge qualifications to meet the on programme delivery requirements of the Machinist occupation within the Engineering Technician Standard. 

The Level 2 qualification is now available

The Level 3 qualification will be available in early August.  Both qualifications will be available for delivery from the 1st September 2019.

There is a new Level 4 standard in development.  The Engineering Manufacturing Technician Standard has been submitted to the Institute and route panel on the 10th June and we are awaiting feedback.  Mandatory qualifications for this standard have been provisionally confirmed as either the HNC in Engineering (any pathway) or the HNC in Manufacturing Operations The Assessment Plan is being finalised and is hopefully being submitted for feedback in the July submission window.  More information will follow when available.

Please be aware that current SASE Apprenticeship Frameworks will close for new registrations on the 31st July 2020.  All new registrations after this date will have to be on new Apprenticeship Standards.

If you are concerned about the lack of replacement standards for Apprenticeship Frameworks please contact Bryony Leonard

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma/Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) is being amended to include additional optional units and also 2 new certificated pathways in Medical Engineering and Motorsport. These pathways exist alongside the general pathway for customers who want to study either of these specialist pathways. If you require any further additional units to be added please contact Bryony Leonard and if these can be added in this redevelopment, they will be included.  If not, they will be included in the next update in 2020. The new pathways and optional units will be available for certification from January 2020.

We are also pleased to announce that UCAS has awarded specific points to both the Diploma and Extended Diploma sizes of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering qualification for 2019. UCAS points have been awarded as follows:

Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Pass 32 points

• Merit 64 points

• Diploma 96 points

Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Pass 48 points

• Merit 96 points

• Distinction 144 points

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 in Rail Engineering Technician (Knowledge) has been updated to include additional elective units as well as additional pathways (Track, Signalling, Telecoms and Overhead Line).

For information on the updated specification

The BTEC Nationals in Engineering (QCF) have been identified as a pre-existing qualifications as part of the DfE Level 3 and below consultation.  We have submitted our response to the consultation and are awaiting feedback.

We were successful in our submission to the DfE in February 2019 to amend the rules of combination for many of the Diploma and Extended Diplomas in Engineering (2016).  As part of this update we also included a new optional unit in Industrial Robotics. These will be available for delivery from September 2019 and retain DfE Performance Table points.

From January 2020, there will be an additional assessment window for Unit 6 - Microcontroller Systems for Engineers providing learners with 2 opportunities per year to sit the external assessment.

There are 2 new Higher National qualifications available - both designed to meet the needs of Apprenticeship Standards.

• The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Rail Engineering which has been designed to meet the Rail Engineering Advanced Technician Standard.

For more information about the standard

For information on the qualification specification

• The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Operations which has been designed to meet the needs of the Process Leader standard

For information about the standard

For information on the qualification specification

If anyone is interested in becoming an approved centre for these qualification, please contact Morad Baisar the Subject Lead for Engineering