Engineering (Machining) Level 2

Learn by doing as you develop the core practical skills used in engineering workshops and manufacturing environments.

You will build your confidence using tools, equipment and machinery while learning how engineering components are measured, marked out, cut and machined to precise specifications. You will also develop your understanding of engineering drawings, materials and safe working practices.

You will explore:

• Bench fitting techniques
• Precision measurement
• Marking out materials
• Metal lathe turning
• Milling
• Engineering materials
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
• Using hand tools and workshop equipment
• Safe use of engineering machinery
• Manufacturing processes
• Quality and accuracy
• Health and safety in an engineering environment

Practical sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your skills through demonstration, guided practice and repeated workshop experience. You will learn how to set up equipment, select appropriate tools, measure accurately and complete engineering tasks safely and to the required standard.

Alongside your technical skills, you will develop wider skills such as problem solving, teamwork, communication, organisation, accuracy and taking responsibility for the quality of your own work.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths
• Or an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification, together with equivalent English and Maths qualifications

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in engineering and manufacturing
• Have a basic understanding of maths and physics
• Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
• Like understanding how things work
• Pay close attention to accuracy and detail
• Are comfortable working with numbers and measurements
• Are willing to practise techniques to improve your skills
• Can follow instructions and work safely
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Enjoy solving practical problems
• Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own work

You do not need to arrive with previous machining experience. A willingness to learn, work safely and develop accurate practical skills is more important.

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Engineering

After completing this programme, you can progress to higher-level engineering study or an apprenticeship where you can continue developing your technical and practical skills.

Engineering skills are used across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive engineering, electronics and advanced technology.

Possible next steps include:

• An engineering apprenticeship
• A manufacturing apprenticeship
• Further specialist engineering training
• Entry-level engineering or manufacturing roles

With further training and experience, you could progress towards careers such as machinist, manufacturing engineer, maintenance engineer, mechanical engineer or other technical roles within the engineering sector.

The Engineering qualification is assessed through a combination of practical assessments, written work and other assessment activities.

Your practical skills will be assessed as you complete engineering tasks using tools, measuring equipment and machinery. You will need to demonstrate safe working practices, accuracy and the ability to follow technical information and complete work to the required standard.

Your knowledge and understanding will also be assessed through written assignments and other activities linked to the theory behind your practical work.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout the programme to help you improve your techniques, strengthen your technical knowledge and build evidence of your achievement against the assessment criteria.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You will complete regular independent work outside your timetabled sessions.

This may include:

• Revising engineering theory
• Reviewing workshop techniques
• Completing written assignments
• Practising engineering calculations
• Reading technical drawings
• Researching engineering materials and processes
• Preparing for assessments
• Reviewing feedback from practical work

Your independent study will reinforce the technical knowledge you develop in practical sessions.

Your tutors will review your progress and provide feedback, but you will also be expected to become increasingly responsible for completing work on time, preparing for assessments and developing your technical understanding.

You will take part in activities that help you understand how engineering skills are used in professional workplaces and manufacturing environments.

Practical workshop sessions will help you develop the accuracy, safe working practices and professional behaviours expected in engineering.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, you may also:

• Meet engineers and manufacturing professionals
• Hear from employers about different engineering careers
• Visit engineering and manufacturing workplaces
• Take part in employer-led projects or activities
• Explore apprenticeship opportunities
• Complete work experience where suitable opportunities are available

These experiences will help you connect the skills you develop in College with the standards expected in engineering and manufacturing workplaces.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• Optional visits, workshops or industry activities may have an additional cost, and you will be given information in advance

You will need suitable engineering workwear and safety footwear for practical sessions. This includes:

• Steel toe cap boots (approximately £30)
• Lab coat (approximately £15)
• Safety glasses (approximately £3)
• Hard-covered notebook (approximately £3)