Access to Engineering

Course description

If you think engineering might be for you why not give this 17 week course a go? you'll discover a broad range of different types of engineering and get a flavour of the variety of this subject. You'll gain greater confidence in your abilities and learn more about what's needed for a career in engineering. You'll learn how to weld, how to bend metal using hand and power tools; find out about electrical wiring and understanding CAD drawings. All of this will be underpinned by health and safety knowledge and workshop skills.This is an introductory course an no previous experience is required.The units you'll study include:Fabrication (Hot works and introduction to Welding) - You'll learn to work on sheet metal using the likes of the folder, guillotine and rolling machines. You'll use some hand tools to cut and form materials. You will be introduced to welding, using both MIG and ARC and you will be introduced to Cold forming as well as hot forming using oxy/propane. Workshop Skills - You will manufacture an artefact using thicker flat bar material. you'll use hand and powered tools to make it, creating threads and using welding and hot forming techniques.Electrical (wiring systems) - In this unit you'll select materials and components to wire a circuit, then use pre-testing techniques to check the circuit for safety before plugging it in. It is also possible to undertake some electronics within this section and learn some soldering techniques.Engineering (incorporating a Project) - Each student will choose a project, depending on the complexity of the projects some students might choose to work in a small team. You'll research, outline a plan, choose materials based on a budget, order parts, and then implement the project. Health & Safety: Engineering - Health and safety is embedded into all of the workshop activities, and in this unit you will collate information, understand safe working practice, and which statutory bodies oversee this. You will learn how to act in the event of a fire or injury and understand where relevant H&S information can be found within the workplace. You'll also gain an understanding of the employer/employee responsibilities. CAD/Engineering communication - The engineering sector uses drawing (either by hand or via CAD) to give information. You will learn to read an engineering drawing, understand where sketches can be used and produce a small CAD drawing. You'll learn about other methods of engineering communication and will be expected to collate some information on working with others both in and outside the workshop.You'll also develop skills in communication, numeracy, working with others and problem solving. 

Learning outcome

There is a significant shortage of people with Engineering skills so demand for skilled workers is high.Successful completion of this course will gain you entry to Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5 which will start in September.