New engineering BTECs ready for 2014

The BTEC qualifications, one in engineering design and one in electronics, have been developed by the Royal Academy of Engineering and awarding body Pearson, following the controversial downgrading of the value of the engineering diploma from five GCSEs to one. The aim is to provide students with an introduction to engineering, and encourage them to enter into the sector at a later stage. Professor Matthew Harrison, director of education programmes at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: "We wanted to do something to put high quality, well respected engineering back on the 14-16 curriculum. Redeveloping the diploma was the best way to do that." The new qualifications will focus on technical and employability skills. Students will receive training in transferable skills such as self management, team working, problem solving and communication. A third BTEC in engineering materials is currently in development and should also be available from September 2014 following accreditation by Ofqual.