As the south’s premier provider of part-time construction and built environment courses, Solent’s higher and degree construction apprenticeships provide a combination of education and on the job training that works for both employers and apprentices. Apprentices spend one day a week at university working towards their nominated higher or degree qualification. At the same time, apprentices will be learning specified skills and behaviours in the workplace under the guidance of a mentor.
Apprenticeship standard approved
Construction Site Engineering Technician
This higher apprenticeship is for site engineers working towards their Eng Tech membership entry point of the I.C.E. These students will study our HNC in Civil Engineering.
Construction Site Supervisor
This apprenticeship is for those working to become supervising specialists for contractors and workers on construction projects. These students will study our HNC Construction Management. These students will study our HNC Construction Management.
Construction Site Management
This apprenticeship is for those working on ensuring that a construction project is completed safely, within an agreed timeframe and budget. These students will study our BSc (Hons) Construction Management.
Construction Quantity Surveying Technician
This apprenticeship is for those working on monitoring and controlling costs and contracts on construction project. These students will study our HNC Quantity Surveying.
For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development to both full-and part-time staff.
- Scale your business with the help of an increasingly skilled workforce.
For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
Apprentices will be supported as they develop their career and prepare to take on more responsibility within the workplace. Study at HNC or degree level provides graduates with a nationally recognised university qualification. This is in addition to the apprenticeship qualification earned by successfully completing the apprenticeship.
Combined, these qualifications give construction and built environment professionals the ability to demonstrate proven competence to employers.
Who is this course for?
Which level of construction apprenticeship is studied will depend on previous industry and academic experience.
Higher construction apprenticeships are generally more suited to someone who has previously studied at Level 3 (A levels or equivalent). Degree construction apprenticeships will be more suitable for those who have already studied at Level 4 (HNC or equivalent).
Facilities
Apprentices will have access to all the facilities offered to full-time students. This includes access to all construction labs and equipment relevant to your course of study.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
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Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Core modules
Mathematics for Civil Engineering
This module will introduce numerical processes and procedures that are commonly used in the Civil Engineering industry. Learners are to identify appropriate numerical techniques as well as methods for checking solutions for appropriate accuracy, suitability and presentation for commercial use.
Civil Engineering Materials and Soil Mechanics
This module covers three broad inter-related areas namely: common civil engineering materials; laboratory measurement of material physical properties; properties and particulate nature of soils.
Civil Engineering Construction Technology
This module introduces students to the legal framework required for the production of Civil Engineering works and also the methods and techniques used in Civil Engineering Projects.
Civil Engineering Surveying
The civil engineering surveying module provides an introduction to the discipline of geomatics. Geomatics integrates the collection, processing, analysis, presentation and management of spatial information. This module will focus on land surveying and setting-out collectively referred to as engineering surveying.
Structural Analysis and Design
This module builds on the behaviour of different structural materials examined in Civil Engineering Materials and considers the designer’s role and responsibilities in terms of Health and Safety, buildability and sustainable construction.
Management of Civil Engineering Projects
The aim of this module is to introduce management principles, practices and standards relating to civil engineering projects throughout their project life cycle.
Core modules
Technology of Buildings
This module addresses the technology used in the construction of low-rise buildings including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. It also introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion.
Construction Science and Materials
You will be able to utilise the different construction technologies and methods available to you successfully, it is fundamental that you have an understanding for the scientific principles and material behaviour that underpins them and influences their use in construction.
Construction Practice
This module has two distinct parts, the first will introduce taking-off, drawing and numerical processes and procedures commonly used in construction. The second will introduce the principles of construction surveying and applications in construction management practice.
Principles of Construction Management
This module is very important to your training as a construction manager as it introduces you to the basics of construction project management, within the business and organisational environment that construction managers operate.
Innovating the Construction Project
Working in groups you will consider a project brief applying resources and techniques to discuss and make alternative suggestions for the project to produce a more efficient, innovative and sustainable approach.
Legal and Statutory Requirements
The module starts with a look at the nature of law in England and Wales, including types of law, how laws are created and an outline of the court system. A particular focus will be on contract law.
Core modules
Technology of Buildings
This module addresses the technology used in the construction of low-rise buildings including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. It also introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion.
Construction Science and Materials
You will be able to utilise the different construction technologies and methods available to you successfully, it is fundamental that you have an understanding for the scientific principles and material behaviour that underpins them and influences their use in construction.
Construction Practice
This module has two distinct parts, the first will introduce taking-off, drawing and numerical processes and procedures commonly used in construction. The second will introduce the principles of construction surveying and applications in construction management practice.
Principles of Quantity Surveying
This module has two distinct parts; the first introduces you to the business and organisational environment that construction managers and quantity surveyors operate within. The second introduces you to the roles, procedures and practices associated with professionals within the built environment especially quantity surveyors.
Innovating the Construction Project
Working in groups you will consider a project brief applying resources and techniques to discuss and make alternative suggestions for the project to produce a more efficient, innovative and sustainable approach.
Legal and Statutory Requirements
The module starts with a look at the nature of law in England and Wales, including types of law, how laws are created and an outline of the court system. A particular focus will be on contract law.
Core modules
Technology of Complex Buildings
This module will enable you acquire a deeper understanding of construction technology principles at a more advanced level. The technology of high-rise construction, including quality aspects, is the central focus.
Construction Management
In this module you will gain an understanding of the application of theories in practical construction situations. In particular you will focus on construction site management, including people and other resources.
Economics and Financial Management
This module covers a range of activities that promote effective decision-making and positive business performance within construction industries, including; financial performance analysis techniques, profit and loss forecasting, project and head office cash flow analysis and general overheads budgeting.
Preconstruction Management
You will be introduced to the commercial activities both at pre and post contract stage focusing on the role of the contractor’s quantity surveyor.
Maintenance of Buildings and Services
You will develop a fundamental knowledge of building maintenance, services and the refurbishment of buildings. The module will allow you an opportunity to analyse the underpinning concepts of building maintenance, refurbishment and the options available.
Sustainability
This module investigates how the construction industry can achieve sustainable outcomes during the design, construction, operation and end of life of a project.
Contracts Management
You will develop an appreciation of the different types of construction contracts and procurement methods that are available but will have a deeper understanding of the most common contract used in the industry.
Project Evaluation and Development
The module draws together the technological, management, financial and professional practices encountered at Levels 4 and 5 and investigates, in greater depth, how clients and the industry interact during the development process.
Building Production and Value Engineering
Studying this module will enable you to investigate the role of the construction manager in the building production process. You will evaluate the methods of production that can be employed to achieve a satisfactory solution to a project from the viewpoint of a contractor.
Research Project
This module will enable you to find solutions to problems that you will encounter whilst working in various roles in future. You will select a topic of your choice to explore in-depth to find answers to the issues that we encounter in the industry.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Strategic Construction Management
Commercial Management
How you'll study
Study methods may vary, depending on the course - you may learn through a variety of learning and teaching methods, including seminars, tutorials, lectures, practical sessions and laboratory work. You'll also use the University's online learning platform, Solent Online Learning.You may be assessed by a combination of:
Project work
Reports
Individual presentations
Group presentations
Assessments vary depending on the level of qualification being studied, but will typically include work-based projects, reports and presentations. For more details, please ask to see the apprenticeship standards and qualification details.
Find out more
Entry Requirements
Please see the relevant course pages (linked from the About the course tab) for the specific entry requirements for each course.
In additional to the course requirements, apprentices must have:
- employment within the appropriate industry, and
- a signed contract/agreement from the sponsoring employer.
Ready to apply?
If you are an employer or a potential apprentice and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please email admissions@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8201 5066.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment which offers the same benefits and protections as any other employee. Apprentices will typically work for four days of the week, using the remaining day to attend classes and study.
Higher degree apprenticeships
Solent offers a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, all of which are underpinned with recognised and transferable degree qualifications (BA, BSc, etc).
Higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working.
They offer employers the opportunity to develop their staff - improving productivity, increasing knowledge, and boosting expertise within the workforce.
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Support at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
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