Engineering Level 3

Engineers can be involved in a range of different disciplines including the designing, installing, repairing or servicing of plant machinery and components; the design, repair and maintenance of electronic systems and investigating the behaviour of materials under different conditions to support advances in technology such as testing carbon fibre reinforced plastics to make stronger, lighter sports equipment, or developing special polymers, ceramics and alloys for use in medical implants. As an engineer, you may work in one or more of the following areas: ·Making parts, and installing and testing instruments or machinery to make sure they run smoothly, safely and meet performance targets ·Carrying out preventative maintenance and identifying and repairing faults in equipment and machinery. ·Investigating and testing ideas to improve existing systems or to overcome machinery or process problems ·Developing prototypes for new products ·Preparing technical plans using computer-aided engineering and design software ·Analysing test data, using computer modelling software ·Helping to design product manufacturing processes that use new materials ·Investigating the reasons behind component or structural failures ·Estimating manufacturing and labour costs, and project timescales To become an engineer, you will need to have: ·Practical and technical skills ·Ability in maths, science and IT ·Good communication skills ·An understanding of engineering drawings and principles ·The ability to work methodically and precisely ·The ability to manage a varied workload in an efficient manner ·Good problem-solving skills ·Teamworking skills Salary range: £14,500 - £35,000+ Average hours per week: 40

A materials fee is levied to cover the high cost of materials. You will be provided with a labcoat and set of tools. Students are required to wear safety boots when in the bookshop.

You will need to have completed either a full-time Level 2 qualification or intermediate apprenticeship to apply for this course

Progress to Higher National Certificate. Please note it may be a requirement of progression that you undertake the Bridging Maths evening course.

Andy Gardiner has been developing his engineering career for seven years. The 26 year old from Stroud works full-time as an engineer at Heber, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of electronic controls. Andy’s employers sponsored him to undertake an ONC in Electronic Engineering, which he undertook at Gloucestershire College on a day release basis for two years. Upon successful completion of the qualification Andy then moved on to complete a HNC and is now in the final stages of completing a HND in Electronic Engineering. The qualifications I have gained are all industry recognised so will help me develop my career and open up new opportunities for me.”