Engineers make the world and Hartlepool College of Further Education's School of Engineering makes engineers. Do you want to be the next process technician, science manufacturing technician or chemical engineer?
This programme is aimed at school leavers who wish to take their first steps on a path to a career in process and/or chemical engineering, and at learners who have completed the Level 2 Engineering programme and wish to progress to the next level of study within the process engineering strand.
This programme of study uniquely combines two different qualifications; a Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and a Level 3 Diploma in Process Technology.
Prospective learners typically have, at minimum, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths, English and Chemistry.
Alternative entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
The Level 3 process 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 transferrable 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
Alongside the Award, learners will complete workshop and laboratory sessions as part of our practical skills enrichment course; each learner will develop skills in four different areas, which will include process chemistry and laboratory practice, and may include bench fitting, machining or maintenance.
Learners without a 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 complete the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Process Technology. Learners will complete units in chemistry for the process industry, heat transfer and fluid flow, distillation and evaporations, crystallisation, as well as others from the world of process and chemical engineering.
A variety of teaching strategies will be employed in delivering this qualification, dependant upon the unit content. This may include lectures, seminars, pratical work, simulated work environments and group activites.
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 eiher 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 qualifications carry UCAS points which, dependent on final grading, could 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 Chemical Engineering (Part Time)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to learners for use in the workshop
