BTEC Level 3 National Award in Construction

Who is it for?

You don't need previous construction experience for this course: just a desire to make your mark on the world, literally. Any trade requires a practical mind, and you'll most likely enjoy the process of planning and creating, whatever the project. On the other hand, you may already be working in the industry, and want to formalise your experience with a well-recognised qualification, or want to re-enter the workforce after a career break.

Where can it lead?

With over 2 million people employed in more than 700 different roles, there will always be a demand for qualified tradespeople in construction. As well as housing and business needs, special events such as the London Olympic Games will ensure an ongoing source of building projects. This qualification can get you into the industry, where you can then build on your knowledge and experience and find your niche in one of the many trades on offer, from architectural technician, bricklayer or construction manager to quarry worker, stonemason or window fitter.

Salary?

Salaries are modest at entry level in the construction industry, but can rise impressively as you gain experience. For example, an experienced construction manager can expect to earn around £46,000, while a similarly experienced bricklayer can average £36,000.

Course Code

W20

Period of study

24 months

What will I study?  

Health, Safety and Welfare

• Examine the employer’s and employee’s responsibilities for health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
• Learn how to reduce risks in the workplace.

Construction Technology and Design

• Explore the various stages of the design and planning processes, and examine factors that can affect these processes.
• Study both traditional and modern methods of construction.
• Investigate how water, drainage, gas and electricity are provided to buildings.

Construction Science and Materials

• Examine the various static and dynamic forces that act on structures, as well as their stresses and effects.
• Explore a range of different construction materials and their properties.

Building Technology

• Explore the different forms of low-rise construction used for domestic and commercial buildings.
• Examine the processes involved in the construction of both the substructure and superstructure of such buildings.

Planning, Organisation and Control of Resources

• Examine the planning and organisational roles of each party involved in the construction process.
• Consider the resources needed to complete a building contract.
• Study the functions of management in the organisation of a construction project.

Planning Procedures

• Examine the application procedure, rights of appeal, enforcement powers and environmental protection.
• Explore the functional and aesthetic requirements of different types of development.
• Consider implications for urban and landscape design.

Building Surveying

Explore the role of the building surveyor. Learn the processes and procedures involved in performing building surveys and condition surveys. Discover how to prepare and present schedules of dilapidation and condition surveys, and how to produce simple refurbishment and maintenance schedules.

Assessment

You will complete five formative assessments, and six compulsory assessments. These can be completed online (the fastest option) or posted to ICS. Note that, while Construction Technology and Design is studied as part of the National Award, it is not assessed. This is why there are seven modules but only six compulsory assessments.

Scenario-based assignments test that you can apply the knowledge you have learnt from the course to imaginary scenarios. Each assignment requires you to complete a number of questions or activities.

• Formative Assessment 1: 12 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 1: a scenario-based assignment
• Formative Assessment 2: 10 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 2: a scenario-based assignment
• Formative Assessment 3: 10 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 3: a scenario-based assignment
• Assessment 4: a scenario-based assignment
• Formative Assessment 4: 20 multiple choice questions
• Assessment 5: a scenario-based assignment
• Formative Assessment 5: 10 multiple choice questions
  • Assessment 6: a scenario-based assignment

Technical requirements/Fees

Edexcel registration fee of £111.20 is additional to course fees.