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. Employability skills (sometimes referred to as transferable skills) are vital to increase students’ career prospects and contribute to their personal professional development. Our BTEC Higher Nationals in Civil Engineering supports students in developing the key skills, qualities, and strengths that employers are looking for. We divide employability skills into five main categories:

• Problem-solving skills
o critical thinking
o using expert and creative solutions to solve non-routine problems
o using systems and digital technology, and
o generating and communicating ideas creatively.

● Independent skills
o self-management
o adaptability and resilience
o self-monitoring and self-development
o self-analysis, and
o reflection, planning and prioritising.

● Interpersonal skills
o leadership skills
o communicating effectively
o working with others
o negotiating and influencing, and
o presentation skills.

● Commercial skills
o awareness of the construction sector
o understanding client needs
o managing and monitoring budgets.
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● Business skills
o awareness of types of companies and company formations
o legal and statutory responsibilities
o business management.

Students also benefit from opportunities for deeper learning, where they can make connections between different study units and select areas of interest for detailed study. In this way, BTEC Higher Nationals in Civil Engineering provide a vocational context in which students can develop the knowledge and academic study skills they need to progress to university degree courses.

These academic study skills include:
● active research
● effective writing
● analytical skills
● critical thinking
● creative problem solving
● decision making
● preparing for exams, and
● using digital technology.

Students who are currently studying Level 3 in Civil Engineering or similar, a GCE A level profile that demonstrates strong performance in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma. Students who have and local persons who are currently in employment and require additional qualifications to increase employment prospects may also apply to study on the Part time course (directly through Newcastle College University Centre).

• The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Civil Engineering, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Students can progress from the Level 4 HNC to the Level 5 HND Civil Engineering (subject to validation). Career opportunities include:
• Structural engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Engineering manager
• Design engineer
• Water resource engineer
• Civil Engineering Technician
• Land Surveyor