Construction BTEC National Certificate Level 3

Construction BTEC National Certificate Level 3

About the course:
The BTEC National Certificate in Construction will build upon your understanding of the skills, techniques and attitudes needed to begin professional work or move on to further study.You will gain insight into the employment opportunities available in the construction industry enabling you to choose your preferred area of work, and if already in employment, progress to a more responsible job or prominent position within your chosen field. The course is designed to be adaptable to your interests, abilities and needs.There are six compulsory core units plus a choice of units from a range of professional specialist areas.

The programme is validated by BTEC and recognised by all major professional institutes. This course is designed for all individuals currently working in the field of Building Construction, Design and supervision, who wish to advance their career and gain membership within professional institutes.

Success Story:
Chris began his learning with the college on 12/09/2005 in the Wood Occupations Department. Enrolling on the Intermediate Construction Award and NVQ in 'Fitted Interiors' these courses where well suited to his current career in the construction industry. However, the industry in all its dynamism and turbulence means adapting and transferring the acquired skills to market demands. Chris has done just that.

Although qualifying at level 2 as a Fitted Interior in July 2007 his motivation to increase his skill bank led to enrolling in September 2007 onto a level 3 programme in Professional Studies; a preparation towards a future career move. After numerous applications Chris gained the break he was looking for, a position as an Assistant Surveyor with Orchard Developments. However, the recent downturn in the economic climate has seen many redundancies within the industry and Chris unfortunately became part of that statistic. Undeterred, Chris returned to his earlier acquired skill of carpentry to earn his living combined with his tenacity for job hunting. After several months of applications, Chris received a phone call from the Lakesmere Group in early December 2008 offering him the position of Assistant Quantity Surveyor. Eleven months on and Chris is thoroughly enjoying his new role and continued future in the construction industry.

Chris' diligence and enthusiastic approach to his studies at City college - excellent attendance, timekeeping, effort towards his grades and always having time for his peers - combined with his relentless approach to seeking employment is a model for all students. His outlook and principles symbolises the rationale and opportunities further education embodies.

Congratulations and best wishes for the future, from the School of Construction.

Course Content:
The course is unit based, and during the 2 years programme the student will undertake study in the following areas:

• Health & safety and welfare
• Construction and the environment
• Construction technology and design
• Science and materials
• Mathematics
• Graphical detailing
• Surveying
• Planning and organisation and control of resources
• Building technology
• Building Surveying
• Environmental science
• Measuring, estimating and the tendering processes

To achieve the qualification it is necessary for the student to complete all 12 units

Equipment Requirements:
Students will need access to a computer either at home or work, books to supplement the course notes may wish to be purchased (the college has an excellent library purchase is not always necessary) as well a basic scientific calculator, pens, paper, student file for course work, ruler and set squares.

Assessment:
BTECs are not exam-based qualifications. Exams work well for some students but others find them rather daunting and struggle to see how they fit into the real world of work. Instead, students study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments, which contribute to achieving each unit studied. Each BTEC is made up of units. The number of units is dependent on the level and size of BTEC being studied (e.g. BTEC Introductory, BTEC National, see course content above). In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes.

The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows the student to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace.

The projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction.

Progression:

Employment opportunities
With the international recognition of BTEC courses such as this, you can progress straight into employment. If successful there are a wide variety of prospective careers that you can explore, for example: site surveying, quantity surveyor, design or site management.

Further vocational and academic qualifications
The BTEC National Certificate in Construction has the equivalence of two GCE A Levels, and it is possible for you to progress further into higher education, as successful BTEC National qualifications give UCAS points for university applications

Additional Information:
BTECs are work related qualifications suitable for a wide range of students, built to accommodate the needs of employers and allow progression to university. They provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a key theoretical background.

They can be taken as well as, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels in schools and colleges. BTECs are recognised by schools, colleges, universities, employers and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and in over 100 countries worldwide.

BTECs have been around for 25 years, their reputation is second to none and they continue to grow and develop. In 2007, more than one million students enrolled on a BTEC course.

Enrolment Instructions:
If you are on a qualifying means tested benefit the tuition fees for some courses may be reduced. However, you will still need to pay Exam and College costs. You must claim tuition fee remission by providing evidence before enrolment.

If you wish to discuss this in person then please contact Student Services to book an appointment.

Code : Time : Duration : Day : Tuition Fee : Admin Fee
B01720 T02 14/09/2009 - 25/06/2010 Not specified Fee Enquiry

B01720 T01 13/09/2010 - 24/06/2011 Not specified Fee Enquiry

B01720 T01 14/09/2009 - 25/06/2010 Not specified Fee Enquiry