T Level in Design and Development for Engineering — Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) (16 – 18) — Full-time

This course is perfect if you would like a career in mechanical engineering. It combines workshop- and classroom-based studies with at least nine weeks if industry experience with an employer.

A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification that gives you a new choice to consider after GCSEs and are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. It is an examination-based qualification with a placement element.

You will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

• Working within the Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors – an understanding of how materials, conditions and context influence design processes and products
• Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing – a knowledge and understanding of mathematics including standard matrices and determinants and standard trigonometry
• Materials and their properties – understanding material processing techniques and their effects on materials and material quality, the condition of materials, how these are managed, and materials testing methods and techniques
• Business, commercial and financial awareness - basic commercial principles including commercial priorities and markets, customers/clients/partners and resource allocation

T Level courses will feature a technical qualification, which will include:

• Year 1 - Core
  • Core theory, concepts and skills for engineering centred on design, automation and manufacturing in electrical and mechanical engineering
• Year 2 – Specialist pathway
  • Design and Development: Mechanical Engineering

Every T Level will include an industry placement with an employer, focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the occupation. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer. Employers can offer industry placements as a block, day release or a mix of these, and can discuss sharing part of the placement with another employer if necessary.