The Royal Academy of Engineering 3 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5DG Tel +44 (0) 20 7766 0600 Fax +44 (0) 20 7930 1549 www.raeng.org.uk Direct tel +44 (0) 20 7766 0614 Rhys.morgan@raeng.org.uk Philip Bryant Sector Strategist (Engineering) Technical and Vocational Qualifications AQA Regus Business, Central Boulevard, Blythe Valley Business Park, Solihull, B90 8AG 20 th September 2014 Dear Philip Letter of endorsement for the AQA engineering level 3 qualifications As the national academy for engineering, we recognise the following qualifications as being fit for purpose: AQA level 3 technical level engineering: mechatronic engineering AQA level 3 technical level engineering: design engineering AQA level 3 technical level engineering: power network engineering We believe that these qualifications provide the right level of competence, meeting the needs of business in developing the next generation of engineering talent. For our engineering businesses, these qualifications will play an important role in providing appropriate knowledge and skills in engineering technicians at the appropriate standard to meet the needs of 21 st century industry. For individuals, the qualifications also provide clear progression to higher level qualifications and employment oportunities, enabling them to develop their competencies, development and progression in the workplace. We are happy for AQA to use this letter in support of its work with the relevant governmental departments and regulatory authorities, to ensure that these valuable qualifications can be offered. Yours sincerely Dr Rhys Morgan, Director, Engineering and Education
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Michael Faraday House Six Hills Way, Stevenage Hertfordshire, SG1 2AY United Kingdom T +44 (0)1438 313311 F +44 (0)1438 765526 www.theiet.org 30 September 2014 Phillip Bryant Sector Strategist (Engineering) Technical and Vocational Qualifications AQA Regus Business Central Boulevard Blythe Valley Business Park Solihull B90 8AG Dear Philip, Statement of IET Approval of qualifications delivering Underpinning Knowledge (UKU) and Understanding in support of Technician level registration The following AQA qualifications are approved by the IET: Engineering Design Engineering Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Power Network Engineering In the UK, the Engineering Council is responsible for setting the standards of competence and commitment that individuals must demonstrate in order to achieve professional registration. These are set out in two key standards documents: The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence UK SPEC The Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech) Standard This letter relates to knowledge qualifications that are approved by the engineering profession for the delivery of UKU for the eventual purposes of professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). Approval is an independent peer review process undertaken by professional engineering institutions, under licence from the Engineering Council and to its standards. It is central to ensuring qualifications meet the needs of individuals, their employers and society. It demonstrates both nationally and internationally the high standard of UK engineering education and training. Approval attests to overall design, the depth and range of coverage, and the validity and reliability of the assessment strategy. It does not necessarily assure that every candidate completing it has the required underpinning knowledge and understanding. Yours sincerely John Beattie Technician Training Advisor The IET
a AIRCRAFT RESEARCH ASSOCIATION LIMITED MANTON LANE, BEDFORD MK41 7PF, ENGLAND Tel: +44 (0)1234 350681 Fax: +44 (0)1234 328584 www.ara.co.uk OUR REF.: PJH/L01 Mr Phillip Bryant Sector Strategist (Engineering) Technical and Vocational Qualifications AQA Regus Business Central Boulevard Blythe Valley Business Park Solihull B90 8AG Dear Phillip, Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronic Engineering As an employer within the engineering sector, we confirm our support for the accreditation of the above qualifications. We believe that these qualifications will provide learners with the specialist knowledge and competencies required to progress to higher education, advanced/higher apprenticeships or the workplace within this sector and specifically in the following occupational (SOC Code) areas:. Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics 2122 Mechanical Engineers 2124 Electronics Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians 3113 Engineering Technicians Because the performance outcomes are mapped to relevant national occupational standards and have been developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies such as ourselves, it means the knowledge and competencies developed are relevant, transferable and up-to-date. We also believe that the AQA approach of embedding soft skills within the standards means that learners will be better equipped for onward progression. Yours sincerely, Paul Hammond Head of Experimental Aerodynamics Dept. ARA Ltd Registered No.: 503668 England. Registered Office: Manton Lane, Bedford.
Dear Phillip, Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronic Engineering As an employer within the engineering sector, we confirm our support for the accreditation of the above qualifications. We believe that these qualifications will provide learners with the specialist knowledge and competencies required to progress to higher education, advanced/higher apprenticeships or the workplace within this sector and specifically in the following occupational (SOC Code) areas:. Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics 2122 Mechanical Engineers 2124 Electronics Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians 3113 Engineering Technicians Because the performance outcomes are mapped to relevant national occupational standards and have been developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies such as ourselves, it means the knowledge and competencies developed are relevant, transferable and up-to-date. We also believe that the AQA approach of embedding soft skills within the standards means that learners will be better equipped for onward progression. Yours sincerely Andy Osborn Training Manager The Automated Technology Group Ltd. The Automated Technology Group Ltd, Registered in England and Wales. Company No: 3109235 Registered Office: 72 London Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 1NS T: + 44 (0)1582 400690 - www.atg.gb.com
Dear Phillip, Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronic Engineering Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Power Engineering As an employer within the engineering sector, we confirm our support for the above qualifications. We believe that these qualifications will provide learners with the specialist knowledge and competencies required to progress to higher education, advanced/higher apprenticeships or the workplace within this sector and specifically in the following occupational (SOC Code) areas:. Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics 2122 Mechanical Engineers 2124 Electronics Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians 3113 Engineering Technicians Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Power Engineering 2123 Electrical Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians 8124 Energy Plant Operatives Because the performance outcomes are mapped to relevant national occupational standards and have been developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies such as ourselves, it means the knowledge and competencies developed are relevant, transferable and up-to-date. We also believe that the AQA approach of embedding soft skills within the standards means that learners will be better equipped for onward progression. Yours sincerely Darren Borthwick EngTech TMIET National Engineering Apprentice Manager Royal Mail Group PLC
Phillip Bryant Sector Strategist (Engineering) AQA Regus Business Central Boulevard Blyth Valley Business Park Solihull B90 8AG Registered Charity No. 1106620 Registered Company No. 5127091 21 st August 2014 Dear Phillip, Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Design Engineering Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Power Engineering On behalf of NFEC, I am pleased to be able to support the development of the above qualifications that provide opportunities for learners to develop understanding, knowledge and some degree of competence in three very important areas of Engineering. NFEC would see these qualifications as suitable for either preparing people for an Advanced Apprenticeship/Higher Apprenticeship or supporting the development of full competence in the workplace as part of an apprenticeship by providing sound underpinning knowledge. In addition, they will provide learners with the specialist understanding, knowledge and some level of competencies required to progress to higher education. As you are aware, NFEC is a corporate membership (approximately 110) organisation that has been operating since 1993 helping to steer thinking on key issues relating to quality, content, structure, funding and management of training and education in Engineering on behalf of colleges of further education, private providers and companies with their own training functions such as Rolls Royce and Toyota Manufacturing UK. This happens at both national level (through our annual national conference and our National Council which meets three times a year at the Engineering Council in London) and at regional level (through two Regional Seminars a year that take place in each of five regions around the country). These qualifications will also help underpin the development of competences in the workplace within the engineering sector and specifically in the following occupational (SOC Code) areas. Taking each qualification in turn: Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics 2122 Mechanical Engineers 2124 Electronics Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians Address: NFEC Ltd., First Floor, 2, Snow Hill, Birmingham, B4 6GA Website: www.nfec.org.uk Enquiries: Tel. 07759 901 229 (9.00am to 1.00pm) Email - admin@nfec.org.uk
3113 Engineering Technicians Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Design Engineering 2126 Design and Development Engineers. Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Power Engineering 2123 Electrical Engineers 3112 Electrical and Electronics Technicians 8124 Energy Plant Operatives The performance outcomes are mapped to relevant national occupational standards and have been developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies, which mean that the knowledge and competencies developed are relevant, transferable and up-to-date. We also believe that the AQA approach of embedding soft skills within the standards means that learners will be better equipped for progression. These AQA Technical Levels will form the substantial qualification element within a 16-19 year old Study Programme. In considering all these facts, on behalf of NFEC, I am pleased to confirm that we fully support these qualifications. Yours sincerely Bob Millington Director of National Liaison and Regional Coordination Address: NFEC Ltd., First Floor, 2, Snow Hill, Birmingham, B4 6GA Website: www.nfec.org.uk Enquiries: Tel. 07759 901 229 (9.00am to 1.00pm) Email - admin@nfec.org.uk
Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Mechatronics Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Design Engineering Level 3 AQA Technical Level Engineering: Power Engineering 27 th September 2014 Dear Phillip, These qualifications will provide learners with the specialist knowledge and competencies required to progress to higher education within the engineering sector. Although for some fields such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering we would probably require the students to also hold A Level in Mathematics. Once established it would be nice to see an increase in electronics units being introduced. The performance outcomes are mapped to relevant national occupational standards and have been developed in collaboration with employers, professional bodies and higher education institutions such as ourselves, which means that the knowledge and competencies developed, are relevant, transferable and up-to-date. The content will be highly relevant to those interested in entering engineering at technician level. I also believe that the AQA approach of embedding soft skills within the standards means that learners will be better equipped for onward progression. I am pleased to see the inclusion of examinations in the assessment description. This will better prepare students should they wish to continue in education. I confirm that I support these qualifications and think they are an improvement on existing courses. Yours sincerely, Dr Kate Sugden Reader, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Aston University Tel +44 (0)121 204 3498 Fax +44 (0)121 204 3682 k.sugden@aston.ac.uk