Course may be subject to change.
Designed with employers, professional bodies, universities and businesses, this two-year T-Level in Design and Development for Mechanical Engineering will prepare you for a career in the mechanical engineering industry, or to go on to do a higher level apprenticeship or degree.
You will spend 80% of your time at college where you will develop a broad range of core skills from across the whole sector. In addition to this, 20% of your time will be spent with an employer where you will engage in an industry placement in a relevant organisation, giving you hands-on experience in a real-life setting.
This T-Level is a technical qualification that includes the following compulsory elements:
- Core theory, concepts and skills for the chosen sector
- Specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
- An industry placement with an employer which runs for a minimum of 315 hours (45 days) overall and gives you practical insights into the sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom
- A minimum standard in English, maths and digital provision are also built into the classroom-based element of the T-Level, meaning you will be given a solid foundation of transferable skills.
Entry Criteria
You will hold 5 GCSEs which must include maths and English at grade 5 or above.
Additional Costs
You will receive a full equipment list on the first day of term.
You will be expected to purchase basic stationery and PPE. Specialist equipment will be provided. Details of enrichment activities and visits will be provided closer to the time.
What are the next steps?
You will be invited for an interview where you will be given details of the programmes available and you will meet some of the curriculum team and have the opportunity to see the classrooms in which you will study.
You will be asked a series of questions so we can find out more about you and your career aspirations. Your parent/guardian is welcome to attend the interview with you.
Please bring your predicted grades or relevant qualifications.
Study Aims
This two-year T-Level in Design and Development for Mechanical Engineering will prepare you with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required for working in the engineering industry.
The course is designed for school leavers (aged 16) and is an ideal qualification if you are intending to progress directly to employment within the industry, to an apprenticeship or to higher education.
Modules Studied
- Working within the engineering and manufacturing sectors
- Engineering and manufacturing past, present, and future
- Engineering representations
- Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing
- Essential science for engineering and manufacturing
- Materials and their properties
- Mechanical principles
- Electrical and electronic principles
- Mechatronics
- Engineering and manufacturing control systems
- Quality management
- Health and safety principles and coverage
- Business, commercial and financial awareness
- Professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours
- Stock and asset management
- Continuous improvement
- Project and programme management
You will study an occupational specialism in mechanical engineering in year 2 which will involve a series of practical assessments and will cover the following:
- Knowledge of design methodologies and processes.
- Knowledge of the tools, equipment and materials used in mechanical engineering.
- Knowledge of mathematical theories and methods used in mechanical engineering.
- Skills in producing mechanical drawings and representations.
- Skills in designing and developing working models.
- Skills in testing models and prototypes.
Times of Delivery
The course is normally delivered over 3-4 days per week 0900 - 1630.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching will be a variety of classroom based, self-study and workplace learning activities. Assessment is both formative and summative.
Formative assessment of learning will be through a range of methods including peer assessment, self-assessment and tutor assessment and aims to support your learning in preparation for summative assessment.
Summative assessment is undertaken through synoptic projects, an employer-set project and exams and is conducted by the awarding body.
Your industry placement is assessed through your performance in the workplace by your work-based supervisor and your tutor.
You will complete:
- Externally set and marked exams
- An Employer Set Project (ESP)
- A practical occupational specialism
Industry Links
This programme has been designed in conjunction with the following employers, trade associations and professional bodies:
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Xtrac
- Warren Services
- Aeroflex Hose & Engineering LTD
- N&J Lining
- Siemens
- Autodesk
- London Borough of Barnett
- The MTC
- Leonardo Aviation
- EU Skills
Maths and English
Learners must have achieved minimum grade 5 in Maths and English on entry.
Placement
You will undertake a minimum of 315 hours of work placement in industry.
You will always perform to the best of your ability and conduct yourself in a professional manner as if an employee of your placement organisation.
This qualification focuses on the development of knowledge and skills needed to work in engineering design, mechanical engineering and aerospace technology.
You could progress to study a relevant degree level course at New College Durham or university.
