Engineers make the world and Hartlepool College of Further Education’s School of Engineering makes engineers. Do you want to be the next mechatronics engineer, maintenance technician, machinist or design engineer?
This programme is aimed at school leavers who wish to take their first steps on a path to a career in engineering, and at learners who have completed the Level 2 Engineering programme and wish to progress to the next level of study within the mechanical/electrical engineering strand.
This programme is the most popular choice for school leavers who wish to study engineering at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Prospective learners typically have, at minimum, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English or a Pearson BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Engineering.
Alternative entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
The Level 3 mechanical/electrical engineering programme consists of one or two years of study.
Alongside a mandatory tutorial session, first year learners will complete a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and a HCFE Engineering Practical Skills enrichment course.
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering has been designed to develop understanding in a broad range of topics, drawn from both of the traditional sectors of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering, as well as transferable knowledge and skills used in all areas of engineering. It aims to prepare learners for entry-level roles in employment, entry into apprenticeships, further study and progression to higher education. Learners will complete units covering mechanical science, electrical & electronic science, applied engineering mathematics, engineering drawing, health & safety, engineering communications, environmental engineering & sustainability and maintenance procedures.
Alongside the Award, learners will complete workshops sessions as part of our practical skills enrichment course; each learner will develop skills in four different areas, which could include bench fitting, machining, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and microcontrollers.
Learners without GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent) in English and/or Maths will be required to complete a suitable qualification in these areas alongside their engineering course.
The mandatory tutorial session will allow learners to interact with their assigned tutor for progress and development, as well as engage with the Hartlepool College of Further Education tutorial programme.
Upon successful completion of the first year with an overall Merit grade in the Level 3 Award and a positive endorsement from the programme team, learners can progress to the second year of the programme and top-up their qualification to a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
Learners will complete units covering the production of a student-led project, application of calculus and a number of optional units from the mechanical, electrical and design disciplines; this could include further mechanical and electrical science, hydraulics and pneumatics, material science, computer aided design, measurement and inspection, engineering processes, programmable logic controllers, electronics, microcontrollers, motors and drives, computer aided manufacture or engineering design practices.
A variety of teaching strategies will be employed in delivering this qualification, dependent upon the unit content. This may include lectures, seminars, practical work, simulated work environments and group activities.
Teaching and learning activities will take place in a range of specialist facilities, laboratories and classrooms.
The programme is delivered on a full-time basis; classes will be taught Monday to Friday.
Assessment is at unit level and may consist of a variety of assessment instruments, including assignment work, practical work, presentations and time-constrained tests. All assessments are criterion referenced and students are informed of the grading criteria in advance. Each assessment component is graded either Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The overall qualification will be graded between a P (pass) and D* (distinction star), based on the combination of the individual unit outcomes.
Assessed work must be submitted by a strict deadline.
Learners will be assessed on their practical skills by workshop instructors and issued with a certificate of completion.
Upon successful completion of this programme of study, learners will hold qualifications that are recognised nationally by further and higher education establishments, as well as employers and other stakeholders. This will enable them to progress to employment, higher apprenticeships and further study. The Level 3 Extended Diploma carries UCAS points which, dependent on final grading, can enable learners to progress to higher education courses such as Higher National and undergraduate degree programmes. Suitable progression opportunities within the School of Engineering include:
- Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering (Part Time of Full Time)
- Level 4 HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Part Time of Full Time)
- Level 4 HNC in Manufacturing Engineering (Part Time)
- Level 4 HNC in Mechatronics (Part time)
- Level 4 HNC in Instrumentation & Control Engineering (Part Time)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to learners for use in the workshop.
