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Where will this course lead?

This qualification is aimed at learners preparing for roles in aeronautical engineering, for example aeronautical engineering technician or aerospace fitter. Learners gain relevant skills and knowledge from studying a range of units, for example in aircraft workshop principles, gas turbine engines, airframe construction and first line maintenance.

You can join this course following a one year Foundation Diploma Engineering

What will I study?

Following successful completion of the Foundation Diploma Engineering, you can progress onto this specialised National Extended Diploma Aeronautical Engineering.

The mandatory units that you will study in this, the second year, of your BTEC level 3 studies are:
- Aircraft Flight Principles and Practices
- Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
- A Specialist Engineering Project
- Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
- Calculus to solve Engineering Problems

Other units that you study may include:
- Aircraft Workshop Methods and Practice
- Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines
- Aircraft Propulsion Systems
- Airframe Mechanical Systems
- Aircraft Electrical and Instrument Systems

How will this course be delivered?

These courses are delivered through classroom teaching, practical workshops and computer based workshops.

You will have the opportunity to complete practical workshops in our aircraft hangar and learn the principles of flight on our 737 flight simulator.

What qualifications will I get?

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering

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 and others are written assignments.
Other modules or qualifications 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?

The possession of the Foundation Diploma in Engineering delivered at the College at an overall average of Merit or Distinction grade - together with 90%+ attendance and punctuality. Further, an excellent Solihull College internal reference from your Personal Tutor and a successful selection interview.

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.
Solihull College offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

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?

Apprenticeships are available in a variety of career roles linked to Aeronautical Engineering

You could then move onto a Higher Education Courses such as a BSc Aircraft Maintenance Engineering available at the College or courses at other universities

Location

Woodlands Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

ENAEA041CCF0

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.

Quality Engineer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.