Units to be studied to 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.
• Environmental Engineering and Sustainability – In this unit, learners will gain an understanding of environmental engineering and sustainability in their sector and will cover analyses that can be used to reduce the environmental impact of an engineering process, product or system.

In addition to your main programme you will also follow the Destination Renewables programme, which is led by industry experts. It provides opportunities for learners to expand their knowledge, work independently and acquire new skills through a variety of activities which may include: guest speakers, workplace visits and practical experiences. The programme allows learners to progress on to a second year where they would study the WJEC Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – graded like an AS level it can provide additional UCAS points.

It may be possible to study A-level Mathematics alongside this course, subject to meeting the entry requirements (details can be found on the A-level course information sheet).