About the course
The Extended Diploma in Engineering is a prestigious academic qualification, equivalent to studying 3 A-Levels, which provides learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and underpinning skills required in the Engineering industry.
It is a two-year programme and in year 1 you will learn the underpinning skills required to be a competent engineer across all industries. examples include; as Mechanical Principles, Electronics, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Hydraulics and Pneumatics to include practical and theory based learning.
On successful completion of year 1, students' progress onto year 2 and specialise in Engineering. Year 2 has exciting modules allowing students to develop specific skills and express your creativity and interests within your chosen project. Specialist subjects such as PLCs, Analogue Electronics, Design and CAM along with other core engineering modules.
Learners will be assessed through a variety of methods; these involve internal assessments which will allow learners to develop their vocational and study skills.
Learners will be supported with their progression towards higher education and future employment based within Engineering. They will be given the opportunity to gain valuable work-related experience to give them the insight and connections with working within industry.
What can I do next?
Upon completion of the Level 3 programmes students go on to a number of pathways including University and Higher Education. Level 2 learners can progress onto the Level 3 provision.
Industry Statistics
The manufacturing sector employs 2.7 million people at an average wage of £34,538.
The Engineering sector is a broad and diverse area offering a vast range of opportunities, anything is possible.
Typical Careers
Engineering courses equip students with the foundation and specialist knowledge which allows you to progress onto employment, apprenticeship or further study at West Suffolk College. These next steps could include industries such as Aerospace, Biomedical, Armed Forces, Manufacturing, Nuclear, Automation, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Automotive and Rail sectors.
Engineering UK's 2019 update on the state of the sector estimates that there will be an annual demand for 124,000 engineers and technicians with core engineering skills up to 2024, alongside an additional requirement for 79,000 related roles, requiring a mixed application of engineering knowledge and skill alongside other skill sets.
You could try breaking into an area experiencing growth in Engineering, such as:
Nuclear energy - The government wants nuclear power to eventually provide reliable, low carbon and cost competitive electricity. To meet this target, the workforce is required to expand by 7,000 to 8,000 per year until 2021, with many of these replacing retirees.
Big data - This sector is forecast to generate £241billion to UK GDP by 2020, creating 157,000 new jobs in the process.
Food and drink manufacturing - FDF research estimates that the food and drink industry will need 140,000 new recruits by 2024 in order to meet market demands.
Mechanical, electrical, electronic, chemical and software engineers - These roles will be particularly sought after, with design, production and maintenance opportunities existing in numerous industries.
Days & times
Starting September 2023