The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Civil Engineering is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the construction sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them.
The objectives of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Civil Engineering are to:
• give students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the international construction environment
• develop students with enquiring minds, who have the abilities and confidence to work across different business functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex construction situations
• provide the core skills required for a range of careers in construction, specifically those related to management and operations
• offer a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for students with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions
• develop students’ understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the construction environment
• provide insight into international business operations and the opportunities and challenges presented by a global marketplace
• equip students with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity and values, and to allow flexible study to meet local and specialist needs.

**Why study this course?**
The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to construction and different civil engineering functions. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.
Students will gain a wide range of construction knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of construction. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills (such as; science & materials, construction technology, information, design and surveying) as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of construction.

**More about this course**
As part of this programme, students will participate at the Swindon & Wiltshire institute of technology (IOT) annual project exhibition day with opportunity to showcase their Individual construction design projects for a range of award categories.

**After the course**
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in construction, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. On successful completion of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate, students can develop their careers in the various civil engineering sectors through:
 seeking new employment
 advancing on their existing employment
 linking with the appropriate professional body
 committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
 seek technical experience through apprenticeships
 progressing to university.