Free BTEC Level 3 Engineering Course in Widnes. Classes run at Cronton Sixth Form College, full-time over two years. This level 3 btec engineering course is free for English-domiciled learners aged 16 to 18 years old. Entry requirements include specific GCSE grades in certain subjects. The college will confirm the details at interview. In year one, you'll study engineering principles covering maths, electrical and mechanical topics, plus the behaviour of engineering materials. Year two builds on these foundations toward a technical or professional level. This btec engineering qualification opens routes into engineering employment or university.
Who this course is for
Aimed at school leavers. This course is designed to allow you to develop the higher level skills needed to progress to university or employment at a technical or professional level within the engineering industry.
The duration of this course is two years. The first year of your course will be spent studying engineering principles in maths, electrical and mechanics, along with core engineering knowledge such as behaviour of engineering materials. You will also gain fundamental skills which are essential to successful progression into the world of modern engineering; in Computer Programming and Computer Aided Design (CAD).
In your second year, alongside specialist mechanical and electrical units such as Microprocessors, you will get the experience of exploring further mathematical modelling in engineering through Calculus and Further Maths. You will also have the opportunity to choose an engineering specialism on which you will base your specialist engineering project and two further optional units.
Many students thoroughly enjoy embarking upon Projects whilst studying with us. Past students have linked with the local council in order to design and make green projects for the local community, design and produce prototypes of wildlife conservation equipment, enter competitions with green energy challenges, adapt existing drones for useful applications such as search and rescue or firefighting. This often results in an impressive folder that allows our students to showcase a variety of skills and attributes that often lends itself well to the next step such as university or employment interviews.
Entry requirements
Specific course entry criteria alongside your GCSE results will determine the level you start at. Specific grades are required in certain subjects. Find out about the individual entry requirements and level in the course information on the college website or at your interview.
What you will learn
You'll study engineering maths and apply it to real technical problems.
You'll explore electrical engineering principles and how they underpin engineering systems.
You'll examine mechanical engineering principles including forces, motion, and energy.
You'll investigate the behaviour and properties of engineering materials.
You'll develop core engineering knowledge needed for technical and professional roles.
You'll build the skills required to progress to university-level engineering study.
How you will learn
The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally examined units. Classroom-based learning includes taught sessions, practical work, and project assignments. Your assignments are marked by the college and moderated by Pearson Edexcel. Some units are assessed by written examinations set and marked externally.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cronton Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Mechanical engineering technician: supports design and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Electrical engineering technician: installs and tests electrical equipment and systems.
Manufacturing engineer: improves production processes in engineering environments.
Engineering design technician: produces technical drawings and specifications.
Maintenance engineer: keeps industrial plant and machinery running safely.
Quality control technician: checks products and processes meet engineering standards.
What you could study next
BEng or MEng in Engineering: a degree route for those wanting to qualify as a chartered engineer. The BTEC National Extended Diploma is widely accepted for university entry in engineering subjects.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering: a work-focused Level 4 or 5 route if you prefer to study while working in the industry.
Engineering degree apprenticeship: combines paid employment with degree-level study.
