• bag
OR

Where will this course lead?

If you are successful in your first year, you could continue onto a second year of study. The routes available include

- National Extended Diploma Aeronautical Engineering
- National Extended Diploma Engineering (Electronics)
- National Extended Diploma Engineering (Design)

What will I study?

In year one you will study Engineering Principles, Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team, Engineering Product Design and Manufacture, Computer Aided Design in Engineering, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems, Electronic Devices and Circuits.

These units will give you a foundation to continue onto aeronautical, electrical or design engineering at extended diploma.

How will this course be delivered?

This is a one year full time course

This course is delivered through classroom teaching, practical workshops and computer based workshops.

Depending upon the qualifications that you select, you will have the opportunity to complete practical workshops in our aircraft hangar, learn to fly on our 737 flight simulator, develop CAD skills within our Advanced Manufacturing Centre, programme robots and automation systems and model hydraulic systems.

What qualifications will I get?

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering 601/7591/6.

How will I be assessed?

The subject units are assessed in a variety of ways; some are assessed by assignments which may involve working in groups or independently and marked by your teachers using awarding body Criteria.

Some assignments are assessed whilst undertaking practical activities.

Other modules will be assessed using externally marked exams.

How do I get a place on the course?

Entry to the course is dependent upon successful interview and meeting the entry requirements.

What are the entry requirements?

  • Grade 5 in Maths and 4 (or above) in English
  • The applicant needs to provide a school report from their last school showing minimum attendance of 90%.

What else do I need to know?

If you have a Learning Difference or Disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

You will be expected to supply your own stationery such as folders, paper and pens. You will need to provide appropriate PPE including overalls and boots for the aircraft hangar.

Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology.

Solihull College & University Centre are the lead partner of the GBSIoT - a collaboration between colleges, universities and employers focusing on the technical skills required in the region. The College's Engineering courses are part of the GBSIoT.

What can I do after this course?

This course can lead onto the National Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or Design Engineering.

You could also move onto courses in Civil Engineering, Building Services Engineering or Construction.

Apprenticeships are available in a variety of career roles which benefit from knowledge of CAD.

You could then move onto Higher Education Courses such as a BSc Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, BSc Mechanical Engineering or BSc Electronic Engineering at the College.

Location

Woodlands Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 19 Year Olds

Course Code

ENACA041CCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, vehicle and ships' structures, building services and other mechanical items.

What’s Involved?

Mechanical Engineers undertake research and advise on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls. They determine materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture. They design mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery. They also ensure that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards. They organise and establish control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.

Design Engineer

Design and development engineers conceive engineering designs from product ideas or requirements in mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.

What’s Involved?

Design Engineers assess product requirements, including costs, manufacturing feasibility and market requirements. They prepare working designs for steam, aero, turbine, marine and electrical engines, mechanical instruments, aircraft and missile structures, vehicle and ship structures, plant and machinery equipment, domestic electrical appliances. They build systems and services, and electronic computing and telecommunications equipment. They also arrange construction and testing of model or prototype and modify designs if necessary. They produce final design information for use in preparation of layouts, parts lists, etc. They prepare specifications for materials and other components.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Jobholders in this unit group fit, service, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies.

What’s Involved?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers examine drawings, manuals and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations. They fit and assemble parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine tolerances to make aircraft engines. They replace engine components or complete engines, install and test electrical and electronic components and systems in aircraft. They also examine and inspect airframes and aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to detect wear, cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems. They maintain, repair and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts. They maintain comprehensive repair logs.

Electronics Engineer

Electronics engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of electronic motors, communications systems, microwave systems, and other electronic equipment.

What’s Involved?

Electronics Engineers undertake research and advise on all aspects of telecommunications equipment, radar, telemetry and remote control systems, data processing equipment, microwaves and other electronic equipment. They determine and specify appropriate production and/or installation methods and quality and safety standards. They organise and establish control systems to monitor performance and evaluate designs. They also test, diagnose faults and undertake repair of electronic equipment.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers undertake research and design, direct construction and manage the operation and maintenance of electrical equipment, power stations, building control systems and other electrical products and systems.

What’s Involved?

Electrical Engineers supervise, control and monitor the operation of electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems. They determine and specify manufacturing methods of electrical systems. They ensure that manufacture, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and contractual arrangements. They also organise and establish control systems to monitor the performance and safety of electrical assemblies and systems.

Manufacturing Engineer

Workers in this unit group perform a variety of professional engineering functions.

What’s Involved?

A Manufacturing Engineer researches into problem areas to advance basic knowledge, evaluate new theories and techniques and to solve specific problems. They establish principles and techniques to improve the quality, durability and performance of materials such as textiles, glass, rubber, plastics, ceramics, metals and alloys. They design new systems and equipment with regard to cost, market requirements and feasibility of manufacture. They also devise and implement control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of system and materials. They prepare sketches, drawings and specifications showing materials to be used, construction and finishing methods and other details. They examine and advise on patent applications. They also provide technical consultancy services.

Rail Engineering Technician

Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers erect, fit, assemble and repair rolling stock parts and sub-assemblies, and test and adjust new engines for trains.

What’s Involved?

Rail Engineering Technicians examine drawings and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations. They fit and assemble parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to make train engines. They examine rolling stock for defects, remove, replace and repair faulty parts. They also inspect and test new and repaired machinery for conformity with standards and specifications. They oil and grease train engines. They maintain records of repair and maintenance carried out.

Engineering Technician

Engineering technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist engineers with the design, development, operation, installation and maintenance of engineering systems and constructions.

What’s Involved?

Engineering Technicians plan and prepare work and test schedules based on specifications and drawings. They set up equipment, undertake tests, take readings, perform calculations and record and interpret data. They also prepare estimates of materials, equipment and labour required for engineering projects. They diagnose and detect faults and implement procedures to maintain efficient operation of systems and equipment. They inspect completed aircraft maintenance work to certify that it meets standards and the aircraft is ready for operation. They also visit and advise clients on the use and servicing of mechanical and chemical engineering products and services.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineering falls under Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical engineers undertake research and design, direct the manufacture and manage the operation and maintenance of engines, machines, aircraft, and vehicle structures, building services and other mechanical items.

What’s Involved?

A Aerospace Engineer undertakes research and advises on energy use, materials handling, thermodynamic processes, fluid mechanics, vehicles and environmental controls. They determine materials, equipment, piping, capacities, layout of plant or system and specification for manufacture. They design mechanical equipment, such as steam, internal combustion and other non-electrical motors for railway locomotives, road vehicles, aeroplanes and other machinery. They also ensure that equipment, operation and maintenance comply with design specifications and safety standards. They organise and establish control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of materials and systems.

Quality Manager

Quality control and planning engineers plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability.

What’s Involved?

Quality Engineers devise inspection, testing and evaluation methods for bought-in materials, components, semi-finished and finished products. They ensure accuracy of machines, jigs, fixtures, gauges and other manufacturing and testing equipment. They prepare work flow charts for individual departments and compile detailed instructions on processes, work methods and quality and safety standards for workers. They also analyse plans, drawings, specifications and safety, quality, accuracy, reliability and contractual requirements. They prepare plan of sequence of operations and completion dates for each phase of production or processing. They oversee effective implementation of adopted processes, schedules and procedures.

Materials Engineer

Workers in this unit group perform a variety of professional engineering functions not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 212: Engineering Professionals.

What’s Involved?

Materials Engineer research into problem areas to advance basic knowledge, evaluate new theories and techniques and to solve specific problems. They establish principles and techniques to improve the quality, durability and performance of materials such as textiles, glass, rubber, plastics, ceramics, metals and alloys. They design new systems and equipment with regard to cost, market requirements and feasibility of manufacture. They also devise and implement control systems to monitor operational efficiency and performance of system and materials. They prepare sketches, drawings and specifications showing materials to be used, construction and finishing methods and other details. They examine and advise on patent applications. They provide technical consultancy services.

CAD Technician/Draughtsperson

CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.

What’s Involved?

A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.

Machinist

Job holders in this unit group operate machines to drill, bore, grind, cut, mill or otherwise shape metal workpieces.

What’s Involved?

A Machinist examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method, sequence of operations and machine setting. They select and fix work-holding devices and appropriate cutting, shaping, grinding and/or forming tools. They also set machine controls for rotation speeds, depth of cut and stroke, and adjust machine table, stops and guides. They operate automatic or manual controls to feed tool to workpiece or vice versa and check accuracy of machining. They reposition workpiece, change tools and reset machine as necessary during production run. They instruct operators on the safe and correct method of operation of the machine.

Maintenance Engineer

Maintenance Engineers erect, install and repair electrical and mechanical plant and industrial machinery, fit and assemble parts and sub-assemblies in the manufacture of metal products and test and adjust new motor vehicles and engines.

What’s Involved?

A Maintenance Engineer examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations; fits and assembles parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine tolerances to make engines, prototype metal products, agricultural machinery and machine tools; fits and assembles, other than to fine tolerances, prepared parts and sub-assemblies to make motor vehicles, printing and agricultural machinery, orthopaedic appliances and other metal goods; examines operation of, and makes adjustments to, internal combustion engines and motor vehicles; erects, installs, repairs and services plant and industrial machinery, including railway stock, textile machines, coin operated machines, locks, sewing machines, bicycles and gas and oil appliances.

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers bring together mechanical, electrical, computer, and robotics engineering to connect stages of design and production into a single, streamlined system

What’s Involved?

Mechatronics Engineers develop solutions to industrial problems by using mechanical/electronic/computer technology, design and build new products, introduce automation to factory production lines to improve existing processes, improve previous industrial/manufacturing processes, design and develop engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks and more.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.