Introduction
Engineers bring ideas to life. They design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. From James Watt’s steam engine to Andy Scott’s Kelpies, Scotland excels at engineering. It’s an industry offering careers in a range of sectors including space, aviation, transport, medicine, technology and fashion.
Course code
CFEN
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
This is a two-year course with attendance at college for one day per week in the first year and two days per week in the second year of the course.
There is also work experience with local employers built into the course programme.
Entry Requirements
Potential applicants will require to have achieved a National 5 in Maths, a Science and English at C grade or above. You will also need to take an engineering comprehension and aptitude test as well as a semi-formal interview as part of the entry selection process.
Potential applicants should have an understanding and appreciation of the diverse range of roles within Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, as well as the capacity to work efficiently on their own and equally in teams. A motivation to succeed within the industry, a willingness to work with due regard to engineering and health & safety and communication and team working skills are all beneficial.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we have received your application you will be asked to attend an informal information and interview session. This may be in person, virtual either through TEAMS or by phone but remember to answer the Supporting Information questions on the application form with as much detail as possible. This will demonstrate your commitment to the course.
This is a key aspect of the application process. You must confirm your attendance should you be offered an appointment.
During the information and interview session, we will ensure the entry requirements and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.
Course Content
This qualification is at SCQF 6 and includes:
A National Certificate (NC) in an Engineering Discipline at SCQF level 6, for example: Engineering Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Core units of an SVQ in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF level 5
Work placement experience/industry challenge
Foundation Apprenticeship certification
Assessments
This can be practical assessments, reports, theory assessments and on-line assessments.
Progression
Progression from the Foundation Apprenticeship can be into higher education with an HNC course or into employment within the Electrical or Mechanical sectors.
Career Prospects
You could become an aerospace engineer, chemical engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, or naval architect. You won’t always be sitting at a desk and could be working in a laboratory, at sea, underground or a recording studio, and there’s a huge demand for new engineers.
Companies are projected to need 182,000 people with engineering skills each year to 2022 in the UK.
There’s never been a better time to start your engineering career.
Additional funding information
N/A
Course Contact Details
Michelle Hodgson – hodgsonm@dumgal.ac.uk
Selling Points
This very popular course has led to employment as Modern Apprentices for many attending this course. Employment to date has varied from mechanical fitters for multi-national companies to mechanical engineer trainees in local industry.