Engineering

This course is for anyone who has an interest in Engineering, enjoys practical hands-on work in a workshop environment, can problem solve and wishes to gain relevant practical experience within this industry to possibly gain an apprenticeship. You will populate and develop a portfolio which can be used to show employers during interviews. You need to be able to work safely and be very responsible about Health & Safety.

This course provides a basic requirement for a Modern Apprenticeship. Students will learn vocational skills in Engineering including a selection of skills (dependent upon timetabling availability) from:

• Health and Safety
• using and Communicating Engineering Data
• working Efficiently and Effectively
• producing components using Hand Fitting Techniques
• producing Mechanical Engineering Drawings Using a CAD System
• wiring and Testing Electrical Equipment and Circuits
• MMA, MIG or MAG Welding
• turning (using Lathes)
• CNC Machining

The wide range of skills you will develop ensure that you will understand a variety of engineering disciplines. Whilst in future you may choose to specialise in a particular type of engineering, no engineer works in isolation and this course will enable you to share ideas and create solutions to problems with others more easily.

You should have Nat 4 Application of Maths or Nat 4 Maths, Nat 4 English and ideally another engineering subject. If you want to take engineering further, you should be working at Nat 5 Application of Maths or Nat 5 Maths. Nat 5 Physics is helpful too. You will be required to complete an aptitude test at interview.

Assessments are practical and focus on the attainment of new skills as and when you acquire them. You will be required to complete a log book.

Most of the course involves practical workshop activities as you develop various engineering techniques. There are some computer-based subjects (CAD for example) and some theory classes. All the practical units involve a small amount of paperwork to record your success and provide evidence of your achievement.

Successful completion of this Course may provide you with opportunities to progress to a full-time Engineering College NC Course at College and there may also be opportunities for Modern Apprenticeships. If you want to study Engineering, the PEO is a great addition to your National Qualifications because it shows that you have practical experience. Many local engineering companies are now asking for prospective candidates to have or be working towards a PEO Level 5.

Many of our students secure employment whilst on the PEO course and continue their studies by returning to college on a Day-release basis.