Awarding Body
Available As
There are mandatory units in Health and Safety, Electronics, Mathematics and Mechanics. Additional units that are currently delivered are CAD drawing, Electronics, Robotics and Design, amongst others. These can vary year to year.
Students will also be expected to undertake a period of work experience, approx 2 weeks over the 2 years, which is arranged by the student.
Hobbies and interests with engineering links e.g. motor bike maintenence, steam engines, remote control vehicles or drawing are very useful for career progression and support applications to degree and increasingly apprenticeships.
Students will learn a variety of theoretical principles, with an element of practical application of theory in a project. There are also mandatory units on health and safety, and working in teams. There will be a number of key visits that will link to the assignments.
This course can help you progress to:
Students usually visit local engineering employers a couple of times a year. They will be asked to contribute towards the cost of transport.
£15 to cover the cost of materials and hardware costs for Unit 2. This can be paid via wisepay. Approx £20 for trips.
Grade 5 Maths.
The engineering sector is the second biggest employer in the South West, nearly 130,000 people work in it. The sector also has issues of an ageing workforce; they are actively looking to hire and train young people. 265,000 skilled workers are needed in the Engineering sector annually until 2024. The starting salary for an Engineer ranges from £20,000 to £25,000 depending on pathway. Apprenticeship salaries vary from £13,000 to £22,000.
Career Opportunities:
Higher Education 31%
Employment/Apprenticeship 44%
Some units have a practical element but most of the work is theoretical. Most assignments require written or calculated answers. Students should be aware that engineers require excellent numeracy skills and a good understanding of maths is essential to success in this qualification.
Practical aspects will be in Electronics, Drawing and the Project.
Yes, they are all given UCAS points but some institutions/courses have very specific entry requirements and may require particular A levels. Check on the UCAS website if you have a particular institution or course in mind.
If you are considering studying engineering at university, it is strongly advised that you study the full A Level in Maths alongside engineering, as this is an entry requirement at degree level. Some universities may also require A Levels physics or further maths.
Work experience (or relevant part time work) can be a really valuable experience and contribute greatly to any application so it is good to plan on doing something to enhance your CV. It is a mandatory part of the course that the student undertakes 1 -2 weeks of work experience over the 2 years.