Numerate
	Able to adopt interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and project work.
	Used to making decisions
	Able to offer flexibility of skills and adaptability: what industry and commerce needs.

Professionally qualified engineers are highly valued, and not just in the design and manufacturing industries: areas such as financial services and general consultancy have recognised the benefit of individuals trained to solve problems.

Global mobility, clean water, power to light and heat our homes are all the result of engineers’ contribution to the quality of life. As demand for these vital areas increases, engineers are key to developing modern technology and materials to enable their sustainable growth.

There is some element of engineering in virtually everything we use: from the clothes we wear and the food we eat, to the transport we use, from the micro components in modern electronic devices to the structures in the largest civil engineering projects.

Engineering underpins the modern UK economy ­ its contribution to wealth creation is second to none. Here are some numbers:

	In 2000, manufacturing industry contributed about £156 billion to UK goods exports ­ nearly 60% of the total of all goods and services exported.
	In 1999 there were nearly 1.8 million people employed by UK engineering manufacturing companies. Of these, 1.65 million worked in enterprises employing 5 or more people, while 90% of engineering establishments employed less than 100 people.

And engineering is not just about manufacturing: it contributes to the success of a range of other industries, such as:

	The development of IT services and communications
	New digital technologies in broadcasting
	Medical research
	The development of the financial systems infrastructure in the City of London.

The impact of engineering is significant and is expected to get bigger as the pace of technology and innovation increases and applications become more widespread.

‘Why take the GCSE in Engineering, Double Award?’
This new GCSE is designed to cover all the key features of engineering: from developing the design requirements through the tools and techniques needed for fabrication and manufacturing, the materials and processes involved, different systems and devices, to designing and making an engineered product.

It provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to engineering: you will learn about the principles and processes that underpin the design and manufacture of engineered products, systems and services, and put them into practice within an engineering context

The GCSE in Engineering covers the following subject areas:

Using engineering and scientific principles to solve problems
Communicating to a variety of audiences and in various forms
Managing time
Managing resources and working within budgets
Managing relationships and working with increasing independence

You will explore the world of engineering, looking at engineering sectors, what engineers do and the business of engineering. And the qualification provides a sound basis for advanced level study and progression into vocational training, including Modern Apprenticeships, and Further and Higher Education.

Following a career in engineering can be very rewarding: the GCSE in Engineering gives you possibly the best start along the path.

‘Where can I take the GCSE in Engineering?’
The qualification will be offered in schools and colleges and through recognised Training Associations. It is planned that there will be close contact between teachers and lecturers and local industry, so that you will be able to see first-hand how engineering relates to the real world.

A full list of those offering the GCSE in Engineering in your area is available on request, at info@gcseinengineering.com

Part of the developments at 14-19, requires that Local Authorities facilitate the production of an 'online prospectus' for their areas. These can usually be found by links from the LA or school and college sites. An example of this system can be found if you follow the link below.

www.yourlondon.gov.uk/choice

If you would like us to post a link to your prospectus, please contact us.