Engineering is the application of science, mathematics, and creative thinking to design, build, and improve structures, machines, systems, or processes that solve real-world problems.

It’s all about turning ideas into practical solutions—whether that’s constructing a bridge, developing software, creating energy-efficient systems, or designing medical devices.

Engineers use their knowledge to make things work better, safer, and more efficiently, shaping the world around us in nearly every way.

You can expect to study:

• Engineering Principles. Students apply mathematical and physical science principles to solve electrical, electronic and mechanical-based engineering problems

• Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team. Students explore how processes are undertaken by teams to create engineered products or to deliver engineering services safely

• Engineering Product Design and Manufacture. Students will explore engineering product design and manufacturing processes and will complete activities that consider function, sustainability, materials, form and other factors

• Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering. Students explore commercial engineering, for example key business activities, cost control, quality systems and value management, which is used by engineering organisations to create value

• Work Experience in the Engineering Sector. Students explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of work experience and plan for their personal and professional development

• Computer Aided Design in Engineering. Students develop two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings and three-dimensional (3D) models using a computer-aided design (CAD) system

The course covers elements of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as general engineering. It also provides a sound mathematical base and will support progression to higher education.

Progress to university, further study or employment.

Successful completion of this one-year course can lead to the study of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering, for a second year. The course develops a wide range of transferable skills such as problem-solving, team working, understanding technical information, critical thinking and gaining the necessary workshop skills that the sector requires.

It enables students to develop the confidence, knowledge, academic and practical skills needed to go directly into employment or seek a vocational apprenticeship or trainee role. 

Did you know?
Engineering and manufacturing is one of the UK's broadest sectors and, according to Engineering UK, workers within the sector accounted for 19% of all UK employees in 2019. While some engineering- related industries, such as mining and quarrying, are in decline, a range of other fields are actively seeking new recruits in aerospace, automotive, design, manufacturing, power, marine, instrumentation and control telecoms, digital communications and networks, software, rail, process control,  production, project management and transportation.