Wales’ New Qualifications BACH National Annual Conference – March 2019 Dr Dan Tromans Head of Development and Commissioning

Our review Engaged with just under 200 stakeholders: FE colleges school teachers work-based learning provider managers university staff more than 110 employers. We also: engaged with learners undertook a technical review of qualifications carried out an international comparison ran an online questionnaire.

Our findings Complex, unclear and often repetitive qualification offer Wider employability skills valued by small and large employers not always prescribed in qualifications New technologies and traditional buildings not covered in ways that meet the needs of learners in Wales Ineffective communication between employers and learning providers Many ineffective and inconsistent assessment practices.

Timeline – Development and implementation October 2016 Review commenced February 2018 Published findings and tested proposals Spring 2018 Consultation Summer 2018 Notification of intention to restrict October 2018 Minimum requirements engagement September 2020 Publish new qualifications September 2021 First teaching of the new qualifications (2022 for AS level) Timeline – Development and implementation

Workstreams Commissioning Development Change Management Procurement exercise aimed at finding the right awarding body(ies) to provide the new vocational qualifications. Ensuring that qualifications contain the right content, enable progression and are assessed in the right ways. Communicates with stakeholders and the public to develop confidence in the new qualifications. Supports the effective implementation of the new qualifications.

School-based qualifications New General Qualifications Working with assessment expert on minimum requirements WJEC to develop and deliver these new qualifications School-based qualifications A GCSE in Built Environment, offering learners a broad introduction to the built environment sector. The qualification will allow learners to develop their knowledge, craft skills and design skills, and encourage them to investigate their own built environment. An A level in Built Environment that develops learners’ appreciation of the processes and techniques involved in designing, constructing, valuing and using the built environment, that enables clear progression into a range of HE courses (e.g. quantity surveying, site management, etc.).

GCSE GCSE Built Environment must enable learners to develop their: Understanding of the different stages within the life-cycle of the built environment Understanding of how different trades and services relate to each other Appreciation of the built environment within their daily lives Enquiry skills through exploration of the built environment Skills in planning projects Practical skills in designing and constructing Understanding of tools, materials and processes.

GCSE Structure: Introduction to the Built Environment Creating the Built Environment Exploring the Built Environment. Assessment: On-screen assessment NEA – Project NEA – Investigation.

New Vocational Qualifications Post-16 vocational qualifications in Building Services and in Construction A cross-cutting, broad-based Foundation qualification offering experiences in at least two construction or building services trades. A Progression qualification offering an optional second year in FE focused on trade skills (derived from NOS/OS) and employability skills. An Apprenticeship qualification, where learners are supported by both employers and learning providers in developing skills and achieving occupational competence.

Construction and Built Environment Review Post 16 Vocational Pathways

Foundation Qualification The Foundation qualification will offer learners experiences of at least two trades, as well as wider content which is currently organised into these areas: Building life-cycle Emerging technologies Primary trades in BS and Cons., and their interdependence Traditional skills Business and economics Employment and career opportunities Employability Health and safety

Progression Qualifications The Progression qualifications will offer learners the opportunity to continue to develop their skills in one of the trade(s) they studied in the Foundation Qualification or chose to start a new trade. Learners will also cover: Self employment Changes in practice over time Sustainability The knowledge elements (at L2) of the relevant NOS of that trade.

What will be in the Apprenticeship Frameworks? Apprenticeship qualification Foundation qualification Essential Skills Trade specific/health & safety tests where necessary Employer sign-off of competence

Occupational competence Workplace assessment Before being entered for assessment, apprentices will compile evidence from the workplace against all of the relevant NOS, to the satisfaction of their employer. Their project will also be completed in the workplace and will provide further evidence against these standards. Quality assurance Workplace evidence (probably in an e-portfolio) for pre-entry sign-off will be quality assured by centres and the process reviewed by the awarding body as part of the requirements for centre registration. Portability Learners will be assessed against the relevant suite of National Occupational Standards, recognised across the UK. Achieving occupational competence – Apprenticeship qualification Occupational competence

Vocational Assessment Each qualification shares a similar assessment model. Some elements may be taken at different points. Component Foundation Progression Apprenticeship Practical project Emphasising softer skills and trade skills from at least two trades. Centre-devised assessment in the learner’s trade route. Identified by learner, learning provider and employer against NOS. On-screen assessment An on-screen test of core knowledge. Available for core trades with specialist trades to be added. Available for core trades with specialist questions for other trades to be added. Discussion With a tutor/assessor. Recorded; tests underpinning knowledge in relation to the project. Discuss how project skills can apply in other contexts. Presentation/oral test May substitute specialist questions for more niche trades.

Commissioning Work: - Received outline bids in December 2018 - Currently in the dialogue phase with bidders - Final bidding stage starts March 2019 - Review bids and award of contract in May 2019 - Contract starts 1 July 2019. - Benefits of commissioning

Diolch Thank You Questions?