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T Level Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Outside shot of Ashford College

Course overview

During the 2-year programme, you will get equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to build a career in Engineering and Manufacturing. You will also complete an exciting 45-day work placement with a local employer.

T Levels are designed for students aged 16–19, a T Level combines 80% classroom-based learning with 20% work placement experience.

Course information


This project-based course is designed to
prepare you for a professional engineering environment. To support your
learning, the College has invested in advanced engineering facilities, including
CNC machines, robotic arms, and dedicated Computer Aided Design (CAD)
labs.


Your classroom work will take place in in
our purpose-built engineering workshop, and you will also complete a
45-day work experience placement with a local employer.


 Classroom-based learning
– 80% of the course


You’ll be supported
throughout the course by expert tutors who will guide you through both the
theory and practical elements. You’ll work on refining your skills to use CNC
lathes, KUKA robotic machinery, and CAD software, while theory lessons will help
you understand why engineers make the decisions they do.


During the course, you’ll cover a range
of topics including:




  • Understanding how materials,
    conditions and context influence design
    processes


  • Essential mathematics for engineering
    and manufacturing including standard trigonometry
    (calculating angles and sides in
    triangles)


  • Understanding how materials are
    processed and how this affects their
    quality


  • Learning about basic business
    principles including commercial priorities and
    markets

You’ll also have the opportunity to
specialise in one of the following areas:




  • Fitting and assembly
    technologies


  • Machining and toolmaking
    technologies


  • Composites manufacturing
    technologies


  • Fabrication and welding
    technologies     

Work placement – 20% of the
course


During your T Level,
you’ll have the unique opportunity to spend 20 per cent of your time working
with a local employer. You’ll be immersed in the business, treated like an
employee, and gain practical experience you can add to your CV helping to
kickstart your engineering career.


Our dedicated Industry
Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests
and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a
result.