Engineering Technology

Course Overview

According to the Royal Society of Engineering, this sector makes a major contribution to the UK's economy - some 280 billion and half of all our exports.

With environmental technologies being at the forefront of the new green economy, there are hundreds of jobs expected to be created in the next few years, both nationally and locally, which require people with the skills to support the aeronautical, creative, digital, food, farming, marine, mining and tourism related industries.

Many of these opportunities will require engineering technologists: people who are skilled in applying their knowledge and understanding of science, engineering, and computers to solving practical areas. Our course in this area is called Engineering Technology.

Is this course right for me?

Do you enjoy looking at machines, structures, technology, gadgets, and wonder how they are made? Did you enjoy making things at school? Do you want to a job where your practical skills are put to use?

Our Level 2 Engineering Technology course focuses on engineering workshop techniques and procedures - using lathes, mills, drills, and hand fitting, for example. Modern engineering requires good computer skills, so our course covers this too.

You will still learn about the basic science and maths required to work in engineering technology, but the emphasis is firmly on the workshop.

All of our learners will be given support with their English and Maths skills where relevant to their main programme. Those students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 (C) at GCSE in these subjects will continue to work towards these important qualifications at a level suited to them.

This course usually runs over 3 days a week, with some sessions taking place in the workshop and others in classrooms. The topics covered over the year are:

- Engineering Environment Awareness
- Engineering Techniques
- Engineering Principles
- Fitting & Assembly Techniques
- Turning Techniques & Technology
- Understanding CAD

You will also learn about the industry through trips and speakers. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of trips e.g. local visits to Gilkes, BAE Systems and Siemens, and international trips to places such as Paris and Praque.

You will be studying for an EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology.

Your knowledge, understanding, and workshop skills are assessed through assignments, online tests, and practical activities throughout the year.

By successfully achieving the tasks issued, you will build up a portfolio of evidence of your capabilities and achievements.