Engineering Diploma

The way ahead at 14

The Higher Diploma in Engineering is the Government's flagship qualification which was introduced in 2008.  It is the equivalent of seven GCSEs at A*-C.  Although the qualification is in engineering, it does not mean that you have to follow an engineering career when you leave school.  The Diploma will give you an insight into the world of work and allow you to gain the personal, learning and thinking skills for employment and future.

Self-development

In addition, you will also develop your Mathematics, English and ICT skills, using them in a way that will help you in the world of work.

The Diploma is made up of eight units which are:

  • Exploring the Engineering World.
  • Investigating Engineering Design.
  • Engineering Application of Computers.
  • Producing Engineering Solutions.
  • Electrical and Electronic Circuits.
  • Application of Manufacturing Techniques in Engineering.
  • Application of Maintenance Techniques in Engineering.
  • Exploring Engineering Innovation, Enterprise and Technological Advancements.

The eight units will be taught very much in an applied (hands-on) way so that you can actually experience what you are being taught. 

As well as being taught in the Academy workshops, you will:
Visit engineering companies to see for yourself what engineering is about. 
Go to an engineering training centre to work with the machines, tools and
equipment that engineers work with.
Solve real life engineering problems.

This course will also give you the opportunity to complete the following:

A project:
You will be given the opportunity to select an area of engineering and use your
engineering skills to research, manage, develop and make a project of your choice.

Work experience:
This course requires you to undertake a minimum of ten days work experience.  You will go out into an engineering environment to carry out meaningful work that is specifically engineering based.  Included in this will be Health and Safety training as well as basic hand and machine tool training using industrial equipment.  You will also spend half a day per week for one term at an engineering training centre developing your practical skills.

Additional and Specialist Learning

The additional learning is designed to increase your breadth of study and the specialist learning will develop your depth of engineering. One of your GCSEs will be used for this.

Please contact Mr O’Connell for further information.