At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure national standards in Engineering qualifications are upheld and support centres in assessment.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in education and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering education and support aspiring professionals.
- Qualifications: Significant teaching experience and a Level 6 qualification in your subject area.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are recruiting for External Examiners (EE) across various Engineering qualifications listed below:
- Engineering (HTQ)
- HN Space Technologies
- HN Engineering L4-5 (RQF)
- HN Aero Engineering L4-5 (RQF)
- Automotive Engineering (HN)
- HN Space Technologies
Please specify your subject preference in the application form under additional information.
Purpose of this Role
Affirm national standards have been achieved and upheld. Monitor through external examiner sampling and visit activities, centres' compliance with Pearson quality assurance expectations for RQF BTEC Higher National programmes. Support centres during the sampling process. Support centres in the delivery of BTEC Higher National programmes to national standards.
Key Accountabilities
Covering a defined range of programmes within a sector, the External Examiner (EE) will:
- Undertake sampling of assessed student work within defined parameters and rules to establish that centres are assessing learning outcomes in accordance with Pearson standards for its Higher National qualifications.
- Provide sampling-related support and development to centres.
- Produce reports for centres and Pearson on the sampling undertaken, outcomes reached, and support provided.
- Apply appropriate sanctions in consultation with the team leader where it is deemed assessment outcomes are not consistent with the published national standards being met.
- Produce targeted actions for centres to assist with remedial actions where national standards are not being upheld.
- Support centres to understand and implement identified actions.
- Facilitate the Senior External Examiner (SEE) in sourcing materials for training and standardisation.
- Report back to Pearson and centres following EE activity within agreed service-level agreements.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the work of Technical and Professional Assessment in relation to this role.
Previous Experience
Essential
- Significant teaching experience of HN within the last 10 years.
- Significant experience in delivering and assessing BTEC Higher National qualifications in the subject area.
- Hold a qualification at least at Level 6 and a full and relevant competence qualification for working in the sector.
- Participation annually in online training and standardisation and successful completion of the set standardisation activity.
- Individuals who have had a lead role for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and are passionate for raising and maintaining standards in HE.
Desirable
- Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the sector.
- A willingness to use technology-based approaches to communication and centre support.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent communication, written, verbal, IT and interpersonal skills.
- Good working knowledge of the specifications that comprise the area of expertise for the role.
- A customer-focused approach.
- The need to meet deadlines.
- Develop and monitor clear action plans.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Desirable
- Word processing and intermediate Excel skills.
About Pearson
We value the power of inclusive culture and embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Pearson promotes a company culture where differences are embraced as strengths, opportunities are equal and accessible, consideration and respect are the norm. Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant company. People are at the centre of our company. We are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace ecosystem where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. Welcome to Pearson, the world's leading learning company. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.
Application Information
We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers. Closing date: 28 August 2026 at midnight.
External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering role you’re after at Pearson.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Pearson a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Pearson.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering at Pearson, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like External Examiner- BTEC - HN 4-7 - Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Pearson a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Pearson specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Pearson, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Pearson want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
