Free Level 3 Engineering Course in Stroud

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Engineering Course in Stroud. Classes run full-time at Archway School over two years. This is a free engineering course covering the core knowledge, skills and understanding needed to work in the engineering sector. Entry requirements include GCSE Maths and Science at grade 5 or above, GCSE English at grade 4 or above, and ideally GCSE Design and Technology at grade 5 or above. The course builds applied, practical understanding of engineering principles alongside the technical knowledge employers look for.

Who this course is for

This course provides learners with the opportunity through applied learning to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the engineering sector.

Entry requirements

You will have ideally studied D&T at GCSE and achieved at least a grade 5. A minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE English would be accepted to start this course. A grade 5, however, is preferred. Maths and Science at grade 5 is essential, although grade 6 is preferred

What you will learn

  • You'll develop core engineering knowledge applied to real sector contexts.
  • You'll study engineering principles including materials, structures and systems.
  • You'll build technical skills through practical, applied learning activities.
  • You'll understand how engineering processes and design work in practice.
  • You'll develop problem-solving approaches used across the engineering sector.
  • You'll build the specialist knowledge needed to progress in engineering work or further study.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Archway School, combining taught lessons with applied, practical activities. Assessment is through a mix of coursework and examinations, as set by OCR for the Cambridge Advanced National qualification. Some units are assessed through internally marked assignments; others are assessed by external examination. You'll build your knowledge progressively across the two years of the course.

What you will need to bring

You will need a scientific calculator. You may also wish to buy revision textbooks to support your studies. Archway School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Engineering technician: supports engineers across manufacturing and design
  • Mechanical engineering assistant: works on machinery, components and systems
  • Electrical engineering assistant: supports electrical installation and maintenance work
  • CAD technician: produces technical drawings and designs using software
  • Production operative (technical): works in engineering manufacturing environments
  • Maintenance engineer apprentice: entry point into apprenticeship-based engineering roles

What you could study next

  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering: a Level 4 qualification that takes your engineering knowledge further, often studied at college or through an apprenticeship.
  • Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship: combine work and study to gain practical experience alongside a qualification.
  • Degree in Engineering: universities recognise the Cambridge Advanced National for entry to engineering degree programmes, depending on the institution and course.

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