Skip to main content Skip to footer

Pembrokeshire College, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SZ

Blog

Enhanced Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship

Enhanced Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship

Warsash maritime

Enhanced Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship

Pearson BTEC L3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering / EAL L2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

This is a unique learning opportunity for those seeking a maritime career on land or sea. This is the only pre-maritime cadetship in Wales.

AREAS:
LEARNERS:
ID: 54704

Is this course right for me?

This is a one year programme encompassing marine engineering and maritime studies. Alongside the main programme, learners will also achieve a license to pilot a powerboat, learn how to navigate and how to operate a VHF Radio competently. This will be fully-funded by The Reardon Nautical Trust. There will also be the option to complete a Level 3 Diploma in the second year which is equivalent to two A Levels.

A Foundation Cadet will need to start thinking and acting like a trainee Officer. On successful completion of the programme, learners may have direct entry to the officer cadet training programme at the prestigious, Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, or they may wish to find an apprenticeship locally or apply to university to study engineering or a maritime related degree. If a learner decides to take the full cadetship option at Warsash then their education will be funded by a sponsoring shipping company and they will undertake a programme involving academic and practical training, integrated with periods of hands-on training at sea. At the end of the cadetship, they will graduate with a bachelor’s degree with honours, a foundation degree or a HND academic qualification. They will also gain a professional qualification – a Certificate of Competency as an Officer of the Watch.

Warsash Maritime School and Solent University Logos

  • Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh, Mathematics, Numeracy and Science
  • Each application is considered on individual merit
  • Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
  • Successful completion of relevant Level 2 programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
  • GCSE English Language/First Language Welsh at grade C or above
  • GCSE Mathematics/Numeracy at grade C or above

Learners will study two qualifications in one year – a technical certificate (BTEC Level 3 in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, equivalent to 1.5 A-levels) and a competence Qualification (Level 2 Diploma in Engineering). A maritime enrichment programme will run alongside the main qualifications.

Learners will be required to undertake five weeks of work experience with a mechanical or marine engineering company usually during half term and Easter holidays. This is coupled with receiving a £200 toolkit to keep for use in the workshops at Pembrokeshire College and in their work placements.

Pearson BTEC L3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Covering maths for engineers, mechanical science, engineering materials and an insight into environmental engineering and sustainability alongside receiving lectures from renewable engineering companies.

Units to be studied include:

  • Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace – This unit will give learners an understanding of hazards and risks associated with health, safety and welfare in an engineering workplace, the associated legislation and regulations, and of their roles in complying with the related legal obligations. Learners will be required to undertake full risk assessments and to appreciate the significant risks encountered in the workplace and the measures taken to deal with them. They will study the principles of reporting and recording accidents and incidents, again within a legal context.
  • Communications for Engineering Technicians – This unit will give a foundation for employment in a wide range of engineering disciplines (for example manufacturing, maintenance, communications technology), in addition to giving a foundation for further study. It aims to develop learners’ ability to communicate using a diverse range of methods. These include visual methods, such as drawing and sketching, and computer-based methods, such as two-dimensional (2D) computer-aided design (CAD) and graphical illustration packages. It will also develop learners’ ability to write and speak in a framework of technology-based activities, using relevant and accurate technical language appropriate to the task and the audience.
  • Mathematics for Engineering Technicians – This unit enables learners to build on knowledge gained at GCSE and use it in a more practical context for their chosen discipline. Learning outcome 1 will develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of algebraic methods, from a look at the use of indices in engineering to the use of the algebraic formula for solving quadratic equations. Learning outcome 2 involves the introduction of the radian as another method of angular measurement, the shape of the trigonometric ratios and the use of standard formulae to solve problems involving surface areas and volumes of regular solids. Learning outcome 3 requires learners to represent statistical data in a variety of ways and calculate the mean, median and mode. Finally, learning outcome 4 is intended as a basic introduction to the arithmetic of elementary calculus.
  • Computer-aided Drafting in Engineering – This unit will enable learners to produce a variety of CAD drawings, from single-part 2D components to complex 3D models. Advanced techniques, such as using pre-prepared symbols to construct circuit diagrams and assembly drawings, will provide opportunities for learners to develop their skills. Learners will investigate the use of CAD in industry, the hardware and software required and the links with other software packages. In doing this, learners will appreciate the advantages of CAD over more conventional methods of drawing production. Finally, learners will generate 3D models, make comparison with 2D CAD drawings and evaluate the impact of this technology on manufacturing companies and their customers.
  • Mechanical Principles of Engineering Systems – Learners are introduced to the behaviour of loaded engineering materials and the analysis of a range of static engineering systems. They will gain an understanding of dynamic systems through the application of Newtonian mechanics. Finally, they will deal with the effects of heat transfer, the expansion and compression of gases and the characteristic behaviour of liquids at rest and in motion.
  • Properties and Applications of Engineering Materials– In-depth knowledge of the structure and behaviour of engineering materials is vital for anyone who is expected to select or specify them for applications in the engineering industry. This unit will give an understanding of the structures, classifications and properties of materials used in engineering and will enable learners to select materials for different applications. This unit will enable learners to identify and describe the structures of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites and classify them according to their properties. Learners will describe the effects of processing on the behaviour of given materials. Smart materials whose properties can be altered in a controlled fashion through external changes – such as temperature and electric and magnetic fields – are also covered.

EAL L2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

This course will immerse you in performing engineering operations such as CAD, mechanical maintenance and using lathes for turning operations.

Units to be studied include:

  • Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to work safely in an engineering environment. It will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or it will act as the basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment. It covers carrying out the learner’s work activities in accordance with instructions and by the use of safe working practices and procedures. The learner will be required to comply with all relevant regulations that apply to their area of work, as well as their general responsibilities as defined in relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols.
  • Carrying out engineering activities efficiently and effectively– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to cover a broad range of basic activities that will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or that will act as a basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment.
  • Using and communicating technical information– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to make full use of text, numeric and graphical information, by interpreting and using technical information extracted from a range of documentation such as engineering drawings, technical manuals, technical specifications, reference tables and charts, electronic displays, planning and quality control documentation. This will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or will act as a basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment.
  • Preparing and using lathes for turning operations– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to cover a broad range of basic turning activities that will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or that will provide a basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment. The turning operations may be carried out on machines such as centre lathes, capstan or turret lathes, automatic or other specific turning machines. The learner will be expected to prepare for the turning activities by obtaining all the necessary information, documentation, tools and equipment required, and to plan how they intend to carry out the required turning activities and the sequence of operations they intend to use.
  • Producing mechanical engineering drawings using a CAD system– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to set up and operate a computer aided drawing (CAD) system to produce detailed drawings for mechanical engineering activities. It will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or it will act as a basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment. The type of drawings produced will include detail component drawings for manufacturing, assembly and sub-assembly drawings, installation drawings, fault location aids such as flow diagrams, and modification drawings.
  • Maintaining mechanical devices and equipment– This unit covers the skills and knowledge needed to prove the competences required to cover a broad range of basic mechanical maintenance activities that will prepare the learner for entry into the engineering or manufacturing sectors, creating a progression between education and employment, or that will provide a basis for the development of additional skills and occupational competences in the working environment. The learner will be expected to prepare for the maintenance activities by obtaining all necessary information, documentation, tools and equipment required, and to plan how they intend to carry out the required maintenance activities and the sequence of operations they intend to use.

Enhanced Maritime Studies – Enrichment Programme

Maritime Industry Overview:

  • Merchant Navy code of conduct
  • Maritime study skills
  • Life at sea
  • The global shipping industry
  • Port operations
  • Protecting sea lines of communication
  • Introduction maritime law and international conventions

Navigation at Sea:

  •  Latitude and longitude
  • Compass bearings and courses
  • Projections
  • Tidal theory
  • Chart work – practical
  • Fixing a ship’s position
  • Electronic navigation aids
  • IRPCS (anti collision at sea regulations) – Introduction and testing
  • Bridge SIM sessions in summer term to build on basic class knowledge

Seamanship:

  • Ship handling
  • Anchoring
  • Berthing
  • Watchkeeping
  • Person overboard recovery

Health & Safety Protocols at Sea:

  • MCA code of safe working practices
  • International convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
  • Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)
  • Marine accident investigations – engineering failures
  • International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
  • Marine pollution – Sea Empress case study Milford Haven

Further Maritime Ancillary Enrichment:

  • Maritime cadetship sponsorship – delivered by Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG)
  • Marine pilot & port operations introduction – Delivered by Class 1 Pilot
  • Introduction to maritime renewables – Delivered by Catapult Renewables
  • Visit to HMG Coastguard Station (Milford Haven) search & rescue operations and coordination
  • Visit to Port of Milford Haven – Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and wider port development
  •  Visit to Milford Haven Port Authority bridge simulator
  • Visit to Warsash Maritime College Southampton

Practical:

  • RYA Power boat 2 qualification
  • VHF Radio / GMDSS
  • Sea survival – life jackets, life rafts, EPIRBs

Learners will also attend regular tutorials.

You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
  • the course you are taking at College
  • what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College

Learners are able to complete either the full qualification or certain units or elements through the medium of Welsh/bilingually. Visit our Welsh Language in the College page to find out what else is available to you.

  • Continuous assessment during the course
  • Portfolio of evidence
  • Workplace evidence
  • Practical examination
  • Written examination
  • Online examination
  • Completion of a final major project

Following successful completion of the Enhanced Maritime programme learners may consider the following;

  • Progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering in year 2
  • Apply to Warsash Maritime School to train as an Officer Cadet (Deck/Marine Engineering/Electro Technical pathways) on the Warsash’ Officer Cadet programme.
  • Higher Education – HNC/HND/Foundation Degree/Bachelor’s Degree
  • Apprenticeships/employment
  • Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
  • Technical drawing equipment - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
  • Engineering flame retardant coveralls - £35
  • Engineering safety boots - £14/£35
  • You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page

Any costs above are approximate and may change.

  • No tuition fee
  • We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2024/25
  • You will need to pay a £85 engineering workshop fee each year before you start the course
  • You can rent a locker for £10 per year this will be refunded if the locker remains undamaged and keys are returned
  • You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page

Any costs above are approximate and may change.

Additional information

Level:

,

Mode:

Online Learning Elements?

Yes

Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.

Social Media

Latest Brochures

Last updated: 28/03/2024
Disclaimer:
The College takes all reasonable steps to provide the educational services and courses as described above. Details are correct at the time of editing but may be subject to change without prior notice. Courses will not run if student numbers are insufficient. The College has the right to refuse individuals entry to courses in certain circumstances. Prospective students may be advised of more suitable alternatives, if appropriate. The entry requirements stated are those that are normally required to undertake the programme of study.
Shopping cart close