T-Level Engineering (Machining) | Level 3 | P12676

Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 including both GCSE maths & English

Engineering core skills and knowledge

An introduction to Engineering and Manufacturing. This unit covers the theoretical knowledge of the Engineering and Manufacturing industry across a multitude of disciplines required in the industry. 

You will gain an understanding of what theoretical principles and practices integral to the industry and sector are required to work in it, developing:

• Knowledge of working within the engineering and manufacturing sectors and the professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours required to do so. 
• Knowledge of the essential mathematics and science for engineering and manufacturing. 
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and mechatronic principles. 
• Knowledge of health and safety principles. 
• An understanding of the business management required within the sector to provide a product or service with success. 
• Skills in project management and delivery of a project.

Machining and toolmaking technologies

The purpose of this element is for you to know and undertake a range of industrial processes and manufacturing techniques used to manufacture and maintain the engineering tooling used to produce components, products and assemblies. This will require the application of a broad range of activities including the interpretation of engineering drawings and technical instructions and the use of hand, machine and automated computer-controlled machine tools and measuring equipment. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of, and skills in: 

• Common materials structure, composition and properties. 
• Special requirements for tools and fixtures for the manufacture of components. 
• Requirements for tools and fixtures to aid the manufacture of new or changed components. 
• How to set up, select and safely operate, the application of a range of hand tools, operating principles of a range of complex and often state of the art workshop machinery. 
• Analysis of data, documentation, tasks, projects and specifications. 
• Producing products to specification using suitable methods and techniques. 
• Undertaking preventative planned maintenance and checking for faults using fault diagnosis. 
• Utilising project management and process improvement

This course is assessed through a variety of methods throughout its 2 year duration.

In year 1, you’ll study core Engineering Principles which will be assessed in the form of 2 nationally set examinations. This is supplemented by an industry set project which will take this knowledge and understanding to solve a real life engineering problem.

Year 2 is assessed through practical activities and projects which will evidence the skillsets required by the modern engineering workplace.

This technical qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and skills needed for working in the Engineering industry, which will prepare learners to enter the industry through employment or as an apprentice. Furthermore, the completion of this qualification will give you the opportunity to progress onto higher education courses and training, either here at BSDC or at university.

As part of your course, you will be required to purchase an industry related uniform and/or kit. Please find details of industry related uniforms in the Student Life section of the website.

If you live independently and are in receipt of certain means tested benefits in your own right or live in a low-income household, you may be eligible for one of our grants. To see a full detail of financial support and eligibility criteria, including financial support application forms please visit the financial support section of our website. Alternatively, please drop in to the Learner Services Hub to see the Financial Co-ordinator, who will be able to talk you through what financial support is available to help with purchasing the kit or uniform for your course. For more information on Financial Support, please contact our Financial Support Team on 01283 494757 or email financialsupport@bsdc.ac.uk.

An industry placement is designed to give you a valuable opportunity to put your learning into practice, develop your technical skills and become job ready. As part of your programme, you will spend a minimum of 45 days with an external employer in a role directly relevant to your course. It’s a chance to you to spend time on an employer’s premises, observing the workplace, undertaking tasks (under supervision) alongside team members and learning the skills and behaviours needed at work. You’ll develop your technical skills, as well as your employability “soft skills” such as communicating, adapting to change, teamwork and problem solving. It’s a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, build confidence, gain industry contacts and help you decide your future steps. It may even lead to a job or apprenticeship opportunity at the end of the industry placement and upon completion of your course. Our Employment Hub works with over 500 local employers to ensure all students on full time study programmes have a high quality and meaningful work placement. So not only do you gain valuable work experience, it helps you decide on your future options, from choosing the right university course to finding the right employer. For more information on Industry Placements, please contact our Employment Hub on 01283 494805 or email industryplacements@bsdc.ac.uk.