Support for Colleges - ASSET |
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The Welding Institute’s Association for Skills, Education and Training (ASSET)’s mission is to advance knowledge and skills in welding and joining through education and training and to promote lifelong learning by supporting and promoting a standard of excellence in welding, joining and fabrication. ASSET operates under the auspices of The Welding Institute and advises The Welding Institute on matters regarding the development and provision of education and training in welding, joining and allied technologies at levels 1-5, in light of the current national and international requirements of the engineering profession. ASSET works across the country collaborating with local colleges, independent training providers, local authorities and employers, and with national bodies responsible for the evaluation and awarding of welding related qualifications. Regional representatives provide a focal point for branches of The Welding Institute, contributing to wider Branch based activities in the interests of all members. Another remit is to approve engineering programmes against the Engineering Council’s Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA) standard for courses and qualifications at levels 3-5. Gaining approval for engineering qualifications, training programmes and apprenticeships demonstrates both nationally and internationally that they meet the high standard of UK engineering education and development. It also allows for colleges and training providers to review and benchmark their programmes, and to develop excellence in delivery and content. Approval of a programme attests to its content, meaning the overall design, depth and range of coverage, and validity and reliability of the assessment of the learner. Approval is used to recognise the underpinning knowledge and understanding covered by a programme, and can also be used to recognise the development of competence. Engineering employers and academics are involved in setting the standards, reviewing programmes and deciding whether to award approval. |
What are the benefits of approval? |
Benefits to your students Assurance that the qualification, training course or apprenticeship programme meets the high standards set by the engineering profession. Assurance that the programme meets the current and future needs of employers. Completing an approved programme is the first step towards professional registration, as it provides a structured pathway to professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) status. | Benefits to your institution External confirmation of the institution’s reputation as a provider of quality engineering education A benchmark against internationally respected standards A key marketing tool when recruiting students, as approval demonstrates they will be equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills that will support them in making the transition from education to the workplace. Improved employability for your students | Benefits to the engineering industry Provides assurance to employers that students will be equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills needed in their business. |
What is the approval process? Colleges and training providers who are new to the approval process should first make contact with The Welding Institute to talk through the Approvals process and the qualification/apprenticeship being considered for approval. The Welding Institute will then offer guidance throughout the approval submission and assessment process to ensure the approval submission meets the approval requirements. You can learn more by reading our approval guidance document here. |
Become an Qualification & Apprenticeship Approval Assessor? If you would be interested in supporting The Welding Institute in conducting approval activities, you can become a Qualification and Apprenticeship Approval Assessor. You can learn more here. |
The Welding Institute Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AL, UK
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+44 (0)1223 899000
