Engineering update June 2019

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

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.

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

For further details and to book your place

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.  

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.

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.

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

Details on the Apprenticeship standard

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

Pearson are in the process of developing 2 further knowledge qualifications to meet the requirement of the Machining occupation within the Engineering Technician Standard.  One qualification will be at Level 2 and the other will be at Level 3. Both qualifications are required to be completed (along with associated competence qualifications) in order to progress to End Point Assessment.  It is hoped that these will be available for delivery before September 2019. More information to follow.

There is a new Level 4 standard in development.  The Manufacturing Engineering Technician Standard has been submitted to the Institute and route panel on the 10 June and we are awaiting feedback.  Mandatory qualifications for this standard have been provisionally confirmed as either the

• HNC in Engineering (any pathway) 
• 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 31 July 2020.  All new registrations after this date will have to be on Apprenticeship Standards.

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

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).

Download 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.

Details on the Apprenticeship standard

For more information on the qualification

If anyone is interested in becoming an approved centre for this qualification - please email Morad Baisar the Subject Lead for Engineering

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

Details on the Apprenticeship standard

For more information on the qualification

Again, if anyone is interested in becoming an approved centre for this qualification please email Morad Baisar