Engineering is back in class for 14 - 19 year olds

The BTEC qualifications have been developed by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) and Pearson as a redevelopment of the 14-19 Diploma in Engineering. According to the RAE: "The BTECs include content similar to the diploma, but allow pupils to have a taste of engineering and could help to increase the numbers of young people interested in the engineering profession. "The new qualifications are flexible and can be studied alongside other GCSEs or vocational subjects to expand and enrich the curriculum. For example, they could be combined with science, design or arts qualifications to complement scientific rigour with creativity." Professor Matthew Harrison, director, education programmes at the RAE, added: "We wanted to do something to put high quality, well-respected engineering back on the 14-16 curriculum. Redeveloping the diploma was the best way to do that." The BTECs have a strong focus on the practical application of the skills learned and on problem solving, which will prepare students equally well for further education, such as the advanced diploma in engineering, BTEC level 3 Nationals, GCE A Levels or higher level apprenticeships. The qualifications focus equally on technical and employability skills. On top of specific knowledge in the sector, students taking the new BTECs will receive training in transferable skills such as self-management, team-working, problem-solving and communication. A third BTEC First Award in Engineering Materials and Manufacturing is currently in development and should also be available from September 2014 after accreditation by Ofqual and will be submitted to the 2017 performance measures list. The new BTECs are: • Pearson BTEC First L1/2 Award for Engineering Design and Product Investigation (Accredited) • Pearson BTEC First L1/2 Award for Engineering Electronics and Computer Control (Accredited) • Pearson BTEC First L1/2 Award for Engineering Materials and Manufacturing (Pending accreditation)