CITB-ConstructionSkills NI has launched a new textbook to support the delivery of the GCSE qualification in construction and the built environment.
The subject has been developed by Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments to give students a realistic understanding and experience of construction to enable them to develop an authentic working relationship with the real world-of-work.
Over 45 schools in Northern Ireland provide the qualification and until now there has been no formal textbook to support the subject. The textbook will assist with the prepa-ration of Unit 1 — The Construction Industry for the 21st Century — with at least a chapter devoted to each major section of the specification.
Barry Neilson, chief executive, CITB-ConstructionSkills NI said: “There is no doubt construction has been hit hard by the economic down-turn, however, the industry is changing at a pace and modest levels of growth are expected between now and 2017. Construction is an historic industry. It has built our homes, our hospitals, our schools, our roads, our railways, our workplaces, our airports, our greatest cathedrals and historic buildings. These buildings and landmarks that are developed will be here long after they have been constructed allowing us to make our mark on the landscape.
“By providing year 11 and 12 students with effective support material by way of this textbook, it is our way of providing help and guidance to students with an interest in construction as a subject area and a potential stepping stone in the right direction for a career in construction.”
Moya Reynolds from CCEA said: “We would like to thank CITB-ConstructionSkills NI for developing this book, GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment, the complete text guide and the workbook.
“This is a valuable educational resource for any student studying this subject which is fully endorsed by CCEA.”
More information can be found regarding this qualification at www.ccea.org.uk/construction.
The book was written by Tom Heaney, an experienced examiner for the GCSE in Construction and Built Environment in NI and principal lecturer for the entitlement framework across Northern Regional College.
The textbooks are available from CITB-ConstructionSkills NI priced £19, with a special offer of buy 20 get one free. Email publications@citbcsni.org.uk for details.