Press Release

Good luck to Team Edexcel running in the Great Capital Run to support charity and promote the new BTEC Award in Event Support

13/07/2007   

Good luck to Team Edexcel – a group of eight runners sponsored by Edexcel – who are set to run the 10k circuit for the BUPA Great Capital Run in London’s Hyde Park this Sunday, 15th July.

The team comprises Liz Routledge, Kath Skillern, Tayabba Azam, Mish Mohan, Roberta Santangelo, Olive McEntagart, Alistair Greaves,  Warrick Harniess,  Paddy Davis, Robbie Cox, Manos Kapterian and Hilary Armstead. 

They are there to support the launch of Edexcel’s Level 2 BTEC Award in Event Support - a new qualification with Nova International and Great2Run to professionalise and upskill amateur stewards and marshals in large public mass participation events. These could include sporting events such as the Great Capital Run itself, point to points, the Great North Run; charitable events like the Prince’s Trust Tea Party;  music events like Glyndebourne or Glastonbury – indeed, any event relying on amateur stewarding.

The course comprises three units, each comprising around ten hours of learning. Learners are assessed on course and their coursework is externally verified by Edexcel.
Colleges, training providers or employers can run the 30 hour course over a week in a classroom or by blended, open or distance learning.

Unit 1: Keeping People Safe at Events
This unit looks at how people are kept safe at events and develops the understanding of the
hazards and potential risks associated with events. It also covers how to deal with incidents
and problems at events.

Unit 2: Communicating with People at Events
This unit develops communication skills; how to communicate with different people in
different situations as well as understanding the barriers to effective communication and
ways of overcoming them.

Unit 3: Dealing with Large Numbers of People at Events
The final unit explores how large numbers of people are dealt with at events and further
develops the understanding of what is required of individuals in dealing with large numbers of
people at events.

Developed in conjunction with leading event organisers, it allows volunteer and support personnel to achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification. The qualification is on the National Qualification Framework and is eligible for public funding.  It provides a nationally recognised competence-based qualification appropriate to the work of marshalls in spectator events, especially events taking place within sports stadia and entertainment venues. 

Complementing Edexcel’s existing suite of security and event qualifications, it will give recognition to participants for their skills, knowledge and understanding around the key core competencies of  keeping people safe at events; communicating with people at events; and dealing with large numbers of people at events. As well as health and safety issues, there are a number of communication issues which are taught.

Progression to related qualifications, including the BTEC Award in Event Support, BTEC Award in Door Supervision or the BTEC Award in Conflict Management, is possible.

Great2Run have developed the BTEC with Edexcel.  They was formed in 2004 as a joint venture between Nova International and the NAC Group, experts in the delivery of creative training solutions. Great2Run’s main purpose is to develop imaginative e-learning materials, for all ages, to support safe and effective participation in running and walking events. As a company with strong links with a range of experts in the athletics field, as well as in the wider world of sport, Great2Run has direct access to years of expertise in the organisation and running of mass sporting events and in the management of large numbers of volunteers.  Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and headed by Olympic medallist Brendan Foster, Nova International has established themselves as a market leader in the world of sports marketing and event organisation over the past 20 years.

Edexcel’s international portfolio of qualifications includes a host of BTECs to support sports professionals, including sports people and athletes and all supporting staff, from grounds maintenance, to nutritionists, to athlete development.

Guests invited to the VIP tent will have the opportunity to meet training providers and other professionals offering training in the event support sector, as well as some of the day’s runners.