Course overview

If there is one thing the whole country is agreed upon, it is that we need more engineers. At our specialist engineering training centre South West Durham Training (SWDT) you will be working with industry experts to develop your skills and knowledge using the latest equipment, but alongside that you will spend your work placement time working with some of the biggest names in the sector.

Our brand-new Engineering and Manufacturing T Level will allow you to specialise in Mechatronics whilst also having a multi-disciplinary focus in subjects such as robotics, programmable logic control, hydraulics and pneumatics, as well as the principles of both mechanical and electrical engineering. You will also undertake a high quality, structured and outcomes-focused industry placement; this is an integral part of the new T Level programme. The industry placement will be aligned to your career aspirations identified in your career plan which will last 750 hours and could include up to two employers. The industry placement(s) will support you to develop a breadth of new skills to provide you with a valuable opportunity to progress towards your career goals.

A classroom and workshop based technical qualification with 3 elements covering core Engineering theory, concepts and skills for an industry area and specialist Mechatronics skills and knowledge for an occupation or career in the Engineering and Manufacturing sector with a focus on Maintenance , Installation and Repair. The T Level is a full-time two-year programme. UCAS tariff points will be allocated and will be equivalent in value to three A Levels. The core element is externally examined and graded A-E and the Mechatronics specialism element is pass/merit/distinction graded.

Unit 1: Working with the engineering and manufacturing sectors

Unit 2: Engineering and manufacturing past, present, and future

Unit 3: Engineering representations

Unit 4: Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing

Unit 5: Essential science for engineering and manufacturing

Unit 6: Materials and their properties

Unit 7: Mechanical principles

Unit 8: Electrical and electronic principles

Unit 9: Mechatronics

Unit 10: Engineering and manufacturing control systems

Unit 11: Quality management

Unit 12: Health and safety principles and coverage

Unit 13: Business, commercial and financial awareness

Unit 14: Professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours

Unit 15: Stock and asset management

Unit 16: Continuous improvement

Unit 17: Project and programme management

Course requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 including Maths, English and a Science subject.

What will I do?

Classroom theory and practical activities in a realistic work environment at SWDT.

Industry placement: This T Level includes an industry placement with an employer focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for Maintenance type occupations. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer. SWDT will ensure learners have an industry placement and will support employers offering industry placements. This will include assistance with the necessary paperwork, a careful planning process and support with designing the industry placement.

What will it give me?

An accelerated pathway into an Apprenticeship ( shortened to accredited learning on the T Level), or the necessary UCAS points for higher education ( degree study at university).

Materials needed

All course materials and PPE are provided by SWDT.

What can I do when I finish?

This course is suitable for anyone interested in a career in maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing with accelerated* pathways into various Maintenance related apprenticeships at Level 3 and 4. These options could include:

LEVEL 3

• Engineering Maintenance Technician
• Marine EngineeringTechnician
• Mechanical Engineering Technician
• Wind Tubine Technician
• Textile Machinery Technician
• Engineering Fitter

LEVEL 4

• Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commisioning Engineer
• Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician (to be delivered)
• Automation and Controls Engineering Technician
• Electrical Power Networks Engineer

Speak to your careers adviser to find out more.
Students can also use this T Level to progress to a course of study at a higher-level including degree options.

What next?

If you want to apply for this course, please click APPLY NOW! Thanks