Picture this… an Ofqual recognised Awarding Organisation that puts learners at the heart of everything it envisions… That’s Training Qualifications UK!

The innovative and ever-growing nature of the business works to provide learners with the highest quality qualifications to ensure their careers are powering forward.

It’s 2022… students want more than only putting pen to paper. If schools wish to explore professional practice in the digital built environment, then the TQUK Level 1 Certificate in Design, Engineer, Construct! The Digital Built Environment is the qualification for them. Developed in association with Class Of Your Own® Limited (COYO), the qualification has been credit rated at SCQF Level 5 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework with 24 credit points – the same as a National 5.

Daniel McDonagh, Teaching and Development Manager at Class of Your Own® said,

“The DEC! Level 1 qualification is a great entry point for learners into the construction sector and provides a broad introduction to the professional construction industry. Learners are encouraged to embrace 3D digital software to design, develop and test ideas that meet a design brief. Upon completion, learners can progress on to the Level 2 [credit rated for the SCQF at Level 6] and 3 qualifications or pursue apprenticeship or employment opportunities. I believe this is a transformative qualification, which ensures high levels of engagement and interest, for both learners and teachers!”

Back in 2009, what started as an idea to involve children and young people in sustainable school building design evolved into the ‘Design, Engineer, Construct!’ or ‘DEC!’ learning programme; offering a new and exciting STEM pathway for children and young people into technical and professional Built Environment careers. If (and when!) deciding to deliver TQUK DEC! qualifications, centres have access to support and resources from COYO including student workbooks, training programmes, support materials, resource banks, the ‘DEC! School’ eLearning platform, teaching network support and facilitation of industry support both in class and virtually. What more could you want!? (No really, if you want more, contact our Qualifications team.)

Due to the exciting and advanced nature of the TQUK and COYO suite of DEC! qualifications, the Chartered Institute of Building Scotland (CIOB) fully supports and endorses Design, Engineer, Construct!, even funding the initial submission for SCQF credit rating in 2019. DEC! qualifications are rated at SCQF Level 5 and 6, bringing credibility to the qualifications in Scotland by directly recognising and levelling against Scotland’s national qualifications framework.

Scott Atkins, Principal of Design, Engineering & Technology at Duncanrig Secondary School said,

“DEC! has fully immersed pupils in the design of the school and has enabled them to use this knowledge in creating their own vision for the design of a sustainable eco classroom. This extends beyond the classroom, and pupils have developed a wider understanding of the importance of sustainability and the role of architecture in improving their community. The level of creativity and independence required in this course has allowed pupils to develop their confidence, creative thinking, and presentation skills. Each pupil has developed a portfolio of work showcasing their skills in the Digital Built Environment.”

S5 DEC! student, Blair said,

“I had never been educated on the construction industry before taking DEC! as a subject, but after learning and experiencing what it’s like to be in that field of work, I hope to be able to study architecture once I leave school in 2023.”

So, what are you waiting for? Contact our Business Development team to start your DEC! journey.