Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing with a specialism in Mechanical or Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Level 3 T Level

Level: 3 T Level | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September

Why study this course at Cronton Sixth Form?
This course is designed to meet the needs of industry and prepare you for employment. It provides the knowledge and experience needed to progress to highly skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or higher-level study, including university.

You will have access to our outstanding ‘IDEA Centre’ which houses cutting edge Engineering facilities including an advanced manufacturing workshop, metallurgy and electronics laboratories and state-of-the-art computer aided design.

The course has been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure learners gain the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required by modern engineering industries.

Learners will develop their understanding of career opportunities in the sector and will benefit from regular trips and site visits, workshops and careers support from our industry partners.

What is this course about?
The T Level provides a broad understanding of engineering principles whilst developing the ability to design, develop, test and improve engineering products, systems, and processes. All students study the Engineering Common Core, which provides the fundamental knowledge required across all engineering pathways.

Students will learn how engineering organisations operate, how projects are managed, how engineering solutions are designed to meet customer requirements, and how they are evaluated against technical, commercial and environmental considerations.

The Mechanical Engineering specialism develops learners’ knowledge and skills in the design, manufacture, testing and improvement of mechanical products and systems. Students study engineering design principles, technical drawing and CAD, materials selection, manufacturing processes. The use of mechanical components including gears, pulleys, levers and cams. They also learn key engineering calculations, alongside quality assurance, health and safety, risk assessment, system installation and testing.

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering specialism develops learners’ knowledge and practical skills in designing, building, testing and improving electrical and electronic systems. Students study electrical and electronic principles, circuit design, PCB manufacture, electrical installation and wiring, electronic components and the use of
industry-standard drawings, schematics and CAD software. The specialism also covers health and safety regulations, quality assurance, standards such as the IET Wiring Regulations, and the design and integration of complete electrical and electronic systems used in engineering, manufacturing and automation industries.

Entry requirements:
5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including Science and English Language and a 5 in maths. English Language 4, Maths 5, Science 4.

How will I be assessed?
In year 1, you will study the core knowledge topics, and you will be formally assessed through two examinations and an employer set project. The examinations assess your knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply engineering concepts. The employer set project is set by industry experts, and you will complete a project based on a realistic industry brief. The project is designed to test how well you can apply technical knowledge, solve engineering problems, use maths, English and digital skills and work through non-routine engineering tasks.

In year 2, you will study the specialist occupational content, and you will complete an externally set assignment.

Learners will need to complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement, evidenced through a logbook demonstrating skill development and application of knowledge. Learners receive a grade for the core content (A*–E), a grade for the occupational specialism (Distinction–Pass) and an overall T Level grade, combining both components.

Enrichment Opportunities
Students will have opportunities throughout the course to engage with enrichment activities led by engineering tutors, industry partners and educational establishments.

The friendly and supportive team of staff in the IDEA Centre are continually finding ways for our Engineering and Built Environment students to engage with enrichment activities. These have included a celebration of seasonal events, charity fundraisers and professional presentation evenings. There are also many opportunities to join us on international trips; to San Francisco, Berlin and Cern in Switzerland.

Female Engineers and Built Environment students are encouraged to join our Women in STEM club, run by female tutors in the IDEA Centre. Learners will have the opportunity to meet and network with like minded students, as well as further trips and visits and opportunities. The Women in STEM team frequently enter competitions and complete in cross curricular projects, as well as focussing on encouraging the next generation of female learners onto STEM courses.

What can this course lead on to?
The T Level provides the opportunity to a wide range of exciting opportunities in the engineering sector. Students can progress directly into skilled employment, higher or degree apprenticeships, or continue their studies through Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and university degree programmes.

The qualification provides the knowledge, practical skills and industry experience valued by employers, preparing learners for careers in areas such as mechanical, electrical and electronic, structural, and control and instrumentation engineering. With a strong focus on real-world projects and industry placement, this T Level offers a clear pathway to a rewarding career in one of the UK’s most innovative and in-demand industries.

Outstanding Facilities
The IDEA Centre is a unique STEM facility which offers students innovative training facilities including an advanced manufacturing workshop, a digital and electronics suite, a metrology suite, a process control workshop, a health and fitness suite, a project management suite, meeting rooms, a 3D modelling suite and an Industry 4.0 suite which all prepare students for the Industry 4.0 trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies.