Eligible schools
Kilmarnock Academy and Grange Academy
This course is for school pupils only
Location/Day/Time
<Kilmarnock Campus - Tuesday and Thursday 14:00 - 17.00. 1 Year.Overview
This course is being run in partnership with East Ayrshire and 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 need to be able to work safely and be very responsible about Health and Safety. Local businesses will provide mentors.
Course Content
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.
What are the entry requirements?
Four National 4 qualifications including National 4 Maths (or National 4 Application of Maths), English and ideally Physics or an engineering subject (For example: Woodwork, Metalwork, Design and Manufacture or similar). If you want to take engineering further, you will need to be working towards a Nat 5 Mathematics qualification and you should consider National 5 Physics as well, especially for Electrical or Aeronautical careers.
You will be required to complete an aptitude test at interview. This will test Numeracy, Comprehension and Problem-Solving skills, it will also include a short practical task.
We do accept Applications of Mathematics but progression to engineering areas may be restricted. This is because Aeronautical, Mechanical and Electrical careers, for example, require a level of algebra not included on the Applications course.
It is worth highlighting that some engineering companies that we work with, require National 5 Mathematics as part of their recruitment policy.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are practical and focus on the attainment of new skills as and when you acquire them. You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence.
What should I expect?
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.
Careers and Further Study
Successful completion of this course may provide you with opportunities to progress to a full-time Engineering College 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 which is highly valued by employers in industry.