New Report To Help University Technical Colleges Develop Industry-Respected Construction Qualifications

A new report designed to help University Technical Colleges (UTCs) produce and deliver robust and relevant construction curricula that are highly regarded by the construction industry has been launched today.

The report ‘Construction and the Built Environment – How University Technical Colleges can deliver best practice’ produced by CITB-ConstructionSkills and The Baker Dearing Educational Trust (BDT), outlines and highlights the most respected technical and applied qualifications among employers, education providers and other industry stakeholders.

According to the report, the ‘respected’ qualifications, which UTCs are being encouraged to take into consideration when developing their core programmes, are highly regarded because of their core content and the likelihood that they will lead to subsequent employment or further study. Additionally, much emphasis is placed on the value of work experience in curricula and UTCs are being encouraged to look at qualifications such as the Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment as a good example of where increased employer involvement works well and brings curricula to life for young people.

Detailed advice is also provided for the new colleges on the overall design principles of all programmes and the proposed learning outcomes for qualifications delivered at Levels 1, 2 and 3. There are useful suggestions on how the qualifications identified in the report can be used alongside existing qualifications such as GCSEs as well as individually, or in combination with other schools and colleges. 

Commenting on the report, one of its authors Nick Gooderson, Head of Education and Research at CITB-ConstructionSkills said:
“While the ultimate decisions on which construction qualifications UTCs use rests entirely with the college Principals and senior teams, we are keen to work closely with them and help them by providing as much information and insight into the current offerings and what is working well.

“This report is the first formal offering in what will be an ongoing and open discussion between education providers and industry on how to provide relevant and quality qualifications that meet the needs of industry and learners alike.

“As the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board we are working with employers to help secure a steady pipeline of top talent into the industry and do all we can to ensure that the entrants coming into the industry are equipped with the skills to meet the future needs of an ever changing industry.”

Lord Baker, Chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, said: “The Baker Dearing Educational Trust is delighted to be working with CITB-ConstructionSkills on this report. We are confident it will be a useful tool for our growing network of UTCs. ”

The report’s findings and guidance are based on a combination of detailed research on existing qualifications and wide consultation with over 80 important partners from industry and education.

For a full copy of the report go to: http://www.utcolleges.org/media/61569/construction_lores.pdf