Level 2 Engineering Operations Course in Harlow

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. Contact Harlow College for more info.

About this course

Level 2 Engineering Operations Course in Harlow. Classes run at Harlow College, full-time during the day. It is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply, though financial support including bursaries may be available.

This engineering operations qualification covers machining, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. You will explore a broad range of engineering disciplines over the course of a year. Entry requires GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification.

You will finish with a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations.

Who this course is for

This course is a practical based Engineering coursed designed to support learners from full time education to progress into an apprenticeship (what we call a pre-apprenticeship). It can also be used to help learners progress from Level 2 to Level 3. We cover a broad range of Engineering (machining, mechanical, electrical) to help learners find what they enjoy doing and then look to help them progress into their future doing what they enjoy!

Throughout the course there will be large amounts of practical work included in the relevant topics e.g. programming CNC machines, working with hand tools, manual machining on lathes and mills, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and testing, electronic circuit building. Various Engineering and Manufacturing companies will be visited in the local area and further trips to Engineering Conferences.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths Grade 4 or above in a GCSE English qualification (Or equivalent)

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in machining operations and manufacturing processes.
  • You'll explore mechanical engineering principles and how they apply in the workplace.
  • You'll gain an introduction to electrical engineering concepts and systems.
  • You'll learn how to work safely in an engineering environment.
  • You'll build an understanding of engineering materials and their properties.
  • You'll develop problem-solving skills relevant to engineering operations.
  • You'll identify which area of engineering suits your strengths and interests.

How you will learn

You will learn through practical, hands-on sessions in the classroom and workshop. The course is delivered full-time during the day at Harlow College. Assessment is based on practical tasks and knowledge-based work completed throughout the year. Your progress will be reviewed regularly to support your development.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Harlow College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Engineering operative, carries out production and manufacturing tasks on site.
  • Machine operator, runs and monitors machinery in a manufacturing setting.
  • Mechanical engineering assistant, supports engineers with maintenance and assembly work.
  • Electrical engineering assistant, helps with wiring, testing, and installation tasks.
  • Engineering technician, a broader role across maintenance, production, or quality.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Engineering qualification, the natural next step if you want to specialise in mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Engineering Apprenticeship at Level 3, combines paid work with structured training and is a common route after this course.
  • Level 3 NVQ in Engineering Maintenance, suited to those moving into a maintenance-focused role.

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