Engineering & Manufacturing

A-Level entry requirements

At least four 5s at GCSE.
Your English and maths GCSEs must be at least grade 4.

BTEC entry requirements

At least five 4s at GCSE. A grade 4 in math, English language, or literature, and a grade 3 in the other subjects is required.

Our T Level programme is ideal if you are interested in a career in design and development for engineering and manufacturing. Career options might include CAD Technician, 3D Printing Technician, and many more.

You will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

• working within the Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors – an understanding of how materials, conditions and context influence design processes and products
• essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing – a knowledge and understanding of mathematics including standard matrices and determinants and standard trigonometry
• materials and their properties – understanding material processing techniques and their effects on materials and material quality, the condition of materials, how these are managed, and materials testing methods and techniques
• business, commercial and financial awareness - basic commercial principles including commercial priorities and markets, customers/clients/partners and resource allocation

You will also study one standalone Occupational Specialism – Mechanical Engineering. This programme aims to develop technical knowledge and practical skills in:

• Technical documentation such as design briefs, specifications, 2D and 3D drawings (CAD and manual), annotated sketches, technical drawings, etc.
• Materials such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, thermoforming and thermosetting polymers, composites, and smart materials
• Mechanical components such as gears, levers, linkages, cams, pulleys, and belts
• Fixings and fastenings
• Machines such as the centre lathe, milling machine, pillar/bench drill, 3D printers, laser cutter, bending machine/press
• Machine tooling, and a wide variety of tools and equipment

The structure of this qualification is designed to give you the breadth of knowledge and understanding across the Engineering industry but also equips you with necessary occupational and core skills to enter the industry. This qualification is designed to support fair access and allows learners to manage and improve your own performance.

Industry placements are an imperative part of the programme, and you will spend 315 hours (45 days) working with and supported by a network of employer partners. This experience will allow you to develop a high level of knowledge about the engineering industry as well as the occupational skills required to enter the industry (known as ‘threshold competence’). This allows employers to experience your talent in their industry.

The programme allows you to gain an understanding of what is needed to work within the engineering industry. Topics covered include working within the engineering and manufacturing sectors; essential mathematics; mechanical, electrical and mechatronic principles; health and safety and business management within the sector. You will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to achieve threshold competence in an occupation.

Studying T Levels in Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing, offers numerous benefits, including:

• Developing key transferrable skills
• Practical, hands-on experience
• Working alongside professionals in an industry you want to work in
• Industry-recognised qualification
• Being at the forefront of the Engineering sector
• Building a strong portfolio of evidence to strengthen your entry to your chosen career