CONSTRUCTION (DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

Pending validation the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Construction Management [accredited by the Open University] provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in construction industry, which has undergone a digital revolution, with the development of 'Building Information Management' in the whole life cycle of the building and construction process. This 3-year Higher Level Apprenticeship is designed to equip apprentices with the ability to understand, utilise and develop the skills needed whilst working in the construction industry. It builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to self-reflect.

Digital construction management is addressing the construction industry’s low productivity. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools, this endeavours to integrate procedures throughout the whole life cycle of a construction project. Adopting digital technology means implementing a data-driven approach which creates a more effective construction process. The most exciting element of Digital Construction Management is using new technology to capture construction progress and its context. Photogrammetry application is an example of flying a drone over the site, taking photos from the site, and automatically creating 3D models that everyone in the construction can see and share as opposed to traditional, cumbersome surveying methods.

This course is designed to bridge this skills deficit, providing a qualification that covers the traditional knowledge and skills required but enhanced with the digital skills needed to function effectively within the industry.

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
Applicants should have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants should have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. This must include GCSE English Language Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics Grade C or approved equivalent. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.
Applicants must be employed with a suitable construction firm that can support the student’s digital skills development.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...
For entry to Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.

The College’s Admissions policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access (Nov 2018).

Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/ A Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Application Process for Higher Level Apprenticeships

Stage 1. Complete both the application form and the additional information form. Attend a pre-enrolment advice session where you will receive more information about your chosen course. You will be advised if you can progress to stage 2 if you meet, or have the potential to meet, the entrance criteria.

Stage 2. For applicants who receive a CONDITIONAL Offer from SRC, your additional information will be forwarded to a list of potential employers identified by SRC (alternatively if you have an employer in mind you can contact the College who will assess workplace suitability). You will progress to stage 3 if you meet the employer’s criteria for interview selection.

Stage 3. Interview stage: If following the interview stage you secure a Conditional Offer of Employment under the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme you will progress to stage 4.

Stage 4. Applicants must present evidence to SRC on A-Level results day that relevant A-Levels or equivalent qualifications are achieved. Evidence of a Conditional Offer of Employment must also be in place at this time from the participating employer. The College will then proceed to issue a FIRM offer onto the HLA Programme.

Please note that a FIRM offer is not a guarantee that the course will commence (see below point 2)

Employers are responsible for contacting you (the applicant) directly to invite you for interview. SRC are not involved in the shortlisting or interview process. Employers are responsible for contacting you (the applicant) directly to make you an offer of employment.
The HLA programme will run subject to sufficient enrolments. Although you may be in receipt of a FIRM letter of offer onto the course, the College reserves the right to only run the course if sufficient enrolments are in place
Attendance is strongly recommended by all Higher Level Apprenticeship applicants at the Southern Regional College’s Careers session. Invitations will be issued to applicants in advance.

Modules covered are:

Construction Technology 1 - Residential.
Intro to BIM and CAD.
Mathematics and Structures.
Construction Science and Materials.
Digital Surveying.
Construction Site Management.
Construction Technology 2 - Commerical.
Operations Management.
Individual Project Construction Management.
Contract Administration and Dispute Resolution.
Work Based Learning.

You will be assessed continuously throughout the 3 years of the course. Assessment methods include module exams, reports, case studies and presentations.

Successful candidates may progress to the Level 6 Degree offered being first offered at the SRC in September 2023 in Construction and Engineering Management [BSc Honours].

Students can also progress onto courses at UK universities dependent on University entry requirements.

This may include:

Construction Management.
Quantity Surveying.
Site Management.
Project Management.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Digital Construction Management you can pursue a career in a variety of areas of Construction Management including: