Engineering & Technology Diploma Level 3
This is a one year full-time course for students who already have a Level 2 ‘engineering skills' based qualification e.g. Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) NVQ Level 2.
This course has been designed to develop and extend your practical engineering skills to Level 3 and focuses on developing your competency across a range of engineering practical skills, knowledge and behaviours, building on Level 2. You will progress these skills alongside the development of your theoretical underpinning knowledge which will support your understanding of the processes and engineering practices.
Entry requirements
You must have already completed the NVQ Level 2 PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) or equivalent practical qualification.
What will I study?
You are required to achieve eight units; two of which are mandatory.
The mandatory units are:
- Engineering and Environmental Health and Safety
- Organisational Efficiency and Improvement, Quality Assurance/Control
The other units may include:
- Advanced Turning
- Computer Aided Drawing
- MIG/MAG Welding
- Producing Sheet Metal Fabrications
- Advanced Manufacture Techniques - Computer Numerical Control
- Pattern Development
Additional costs
You will need to provide overalls and a pair of safety shoes/boots for your workshop-based units. Please be aware that you will not be allowed in the workshop without these.
Method of delivery
The majority of units are practical skills-based, building on the skills you have developed at Level 2, where you will be learning in a workshop or CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Manufacture) suite. You will learn from demonstration and the application of your own skills, where you will be carrying out a range of activities using a wide range of engineering tools and equipment. You will also write up the correct process for these activities to show your understanding. This is achieved in booklets which are specially designed for each unit.
Theory lessons in Health & Safety and Quality topics prepare you thoroughly for your online multiple choice exam; and you will sit this when you feel confident and ready.
Normally you will be in College for three to four days per week with any necessary GCSE English or Maths lessons built into these three days.
How will I be assessed?
The two mandatory units are examined through an external online assessment which is a multiple-choice question paper. This makes up 25% of the course and must be passed to achieve the Diploma.
For each unit, once you have achieved your training tasks, you will carry out a range of practical assessments which demonstrate your understanding and competency with that skill. Each unit has a number of practical assessments which you will work through throughout the year. You will also produce a logbook/portfolio for each unit to compile all of your evidence and assignments.
Good course combinations
This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes.
Your next steps
This course could lead you on to a job or apprenticeship in engineering e.g. Maintenance Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Welder and/or Fabricator etc. Alternatively, you could continue to study another course to expand your engineering skill set, perhaps in the field of electrical installation or any other relevant programme.