Overview
The built environment needs specialists with the technical expertise and digital skills to drive change for a sustainable future.
In their role, construction and design technicians coordinate and manage the design work required during construction. They understand the DNA of a building, how it’s composed, the materials needed and the technical specifications required to transform it from a design into a functioning, safe and future-proof building. They also know how to use a wide range of design and analysis software that is used to share complex information with stakeholders.
On successful completion of this apprenticeship, apprentices can apply to become a Technical Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (TechCIOB).
Reasons to do this apprenticeship
Apprentices will:
Develop technical and digital skills needed within the construction industry
Acquire the expertise and language to confidently work across many disciplines
Explore and contextualise building laws and regulations
Understand sustainable best practice within the built environment
About the apprenticeship
What can you expect?
This Level 4 apprenticeship is a gateway to a professional career within the construction industry. In your studies, you’ll gain the technical unpinning, digital literacy and practical skills needed to manage the whole life cycle of a built asset, from initial design all the way through to construction.
The academic learning is complimented by the wide range of knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) learnt through practical experience provided by employers. Whether it be analysing client requirements, identifying the environmental impact of a job, or implementing solutions for construction projects, the learning from your job will significantly support the success of this apprenticeship.
This on the job training is vital for apprentices to pass the end point assessment (EPA) of this apprenticeship. This EPA will be delivered by the CIOB and assessed via an online test, project and a professional discussion.
This standard aligns with the professional recognition needed by CIOB and CIAT. UCEM is planning to seek accreditation* for the following:
- The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for TechCIOB
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists for Associate of CIAT
This apprenticeship is for those
- Seeking to develop a career in architecture, construction or design
- Looking for a broad technical knowledge of construction technology
- Wanting to use their digital skills to create something physical
- Passionate about creating a more sustainable built environment
Benefits
Benefits for apprentices
Progress to a range of roles in the construction industry including Digital Design Technician, Architectural Technologist or Planning Officer, or continue with your studies.*
*L6 Design and Construction Management Apprenticeship coming soon
Understand the need to change and transform into sustainable ways of doing things and become a voice for sustainability within your organisation.
These highly sought after skills are needed by industry.
Benefits for employers
Reduce staff turnover by investing in your employees.
Create a workforce who put sustainability at the heart of what they do.
Ensure that your employees are knowledgeable and skilled in the latest specialisms.
Apprenticeship programme structure
On successful completion, students will be awarded:
- Level 4 Apprenticeship in Construction Design and Build
- Certificate of Higher Education Construction and Built Environment
Delivery structure
This apprenticeship will be delivered online and include guided discussions and workshops as well as independent learning and reading.
Development of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours for all apprenticeships happens through a combination of workplace training provided by the employer and off-the job training provided by UCEM.
The apprenticeship is 120 credits, plus an End Point Assessment (EPA). The employer must be able to provide their apprentices with relevant workplace experience for the requirements of the EPA to be met.
Introduction to Sustainability (20 credits)
[Awaiting]
Construction Technology 1 (20 credits)
[Awaiting]
If you require further information about programme content, please view the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology programme specifications which set out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.
Programme leader
The programme has been developed by a team of UCEM academics, led by Marc Fleming, Jon Hubert and James Ritson.
Why choose UCEM?
UCEM is a leading university for the built environment providing flexible and accessible supported online education to all. Our commitment to become the most sustainable university in the world has led us to change the way we teach, operate, and collaborate with others to ensure that sustainability is integrated into everything that we do.
When choosing UCEM, students gain access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This specialised platform acts as a hub for studies, offering resources, schedules, and engaging learning activities. Apprentices also have access to the Apprentice Hub – a one-stop shop on the VLE including guidance on off the job diary and end point assessment.
Apprenticeship outcomes officers
Our apprenticeship outcomes officers are the main point of contact whilst on programme. Their pastoral role is all encompassing and includes providing apprentice and employer with regular progress reviews to support with academic and personal development goals.
“My Apprenticeship Outcomes Officer, has walked along with me throughout this journey and has been fantastic. She cares about her students and is always on the other end of the phone. I never thought I would have a strong relationship with someone I had never met in person until graduation day.”
Alumni apprentice, Sadaqat
Our experienced Business Development team are on hand to guide you through the apprenticeship process from beginning of the sign-up to the end of your apprentices EPA.
UCEM has a dedicated disability and welfare team who work to provide all students with the support and tools they need to succeed. Support is available to students with a range of disabilities, health conditions, and learning difficulties.
This team helps apprentices to navigate the world of online learning. The tutors support in a variety of ways, whether that be explaining how to use the VLE, the e-Library, submitting assignments, or managing workload.
Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make studying with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.
Module leaders are assisted by a team of module lecturers who provide additional support via weekly discussion forums and webinars.
- Rated 13th in the top 50 apprenticeship providers
- Good Ofsted rating
- 87% of employers believe that UCEM provides the right training at the right time
- 94% of apprentices felt that UCEM supported them and their apprenticeship
- Apprentices receive consistent learning regardless of their location
- Apprentices and employers receive progress reviews every 12 weeks
Key information
Entry requirements
You will need:
64 UCAS Tariff points or an equivalent qualification
All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.
You should have:
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or accepted current or prior equivalent English qualifications.
Along with English, maths at a minimum of level 2 is a requirement for all apprenticeship programmes.
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above that has Mathematics in the title
- An equivalent qualification that can be discussed with the admissions and enquiries team
- Apprentices must have the right to work in England and meet the Education and Skill Funding Agency (ESFA) residency status requirements
- Spend at least 50% of their working hours in England
- Be 18 years or over at the start of the programme and be directly employed in a job role that will enable the requirements of the apprenticeship to be achieved
- Find out more about how apprenticeships work
Time commitment
15-20 hours of study a week
You will need to provide your apprentice with the equivalent of one day off a week to study and you will need to ensure that their job role enables them to fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship.
Funding information
The programme meets the criteria of the Construction Design and Build Technician Standard,. It also meets the requirements of the revised standard that is effective from March. Eligible organisations are able to use their levy fund for the £14,000 fees.
For more information, see Apprenticeship funding.
Application process
If you are currently employed within the built environment in England, you will need your employer’s support as they will fund your apprenticeship. Speak to your them about your options. If they have questions, then our business development team will be happy to answer them.
If you are looking to do an apprenticeship but are not currently employed, you will need to search for an apprenticeship before applying. Search on the government website, or try reaching out to relevant employers to see if there are vacancies.
Get in touch with our Business Development Team who will be able to guide you through the application process and support with any queries.
If you are currently studying a non-apprenticeship programme but wish to switch over to this apprenticeship then please follow the process for prospective apprentices.
Business Development Team
Our Business Development team is here to answer any questions you may have and to help you begin the process of employing an apprentice.
