What will I study?

This is an exciting opportunity for you to develop a career in the diverse field of manufacturing engineering. Your course will be a stepping stone to a future which is continually evolving as technology itself evolves. A few years ago the idea of having machines which can manufacture a component to a very high tolerance, time after time was just a dream; it is now the basis of most engineering businesses, even the very small ones.

You will spend two thirds of your time in our new workshop, learning bench fitting techniques and operating manual lathes and milling machines. These are the skills you will require before moving on to the advanced Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines at our Gloucester site. The remainder of your time will be learning the theory of engineering as you develop competence in the workshop. Your understanding and knowledge of engineering will increase as you progress and our skilled professional staff will work with you whilst giving you individual support and guidance.

We have been delivering this qualification for six years and have a very high success rate with students who have very little, or no previous experience in engineering. You will be guided, and assisted at every step of your course to ensure that you will achieve the recognised award of Performing Engineering Operations, an accredited Level 2 NVQ from EMTA, who have been at the forefront of engineering training for over fifty years.

What do I need to get on to the course?

You will need to have gained a minimum of three GCSE passes at grade A*–D in Maths, English and any other relevant subject, for example Science or DT. A real interest and desire to make engineering your preferred career is a distinct advantage for you. If you are unsure, we will be able to give you constructive advice at your interview.

What can I do after the course?

Your options after completion of this course are many and
varied. Remember you will have achieved a National Vocational Qualification which is one of the three required parts of a Foundation Apprenticeship; so you could continue and complete your initial apprenticeship having obtained a job in the engineering industry. Your next step is then to continue to an Advanced Apprenticeship at Level 3, this is recognised worldwide as a highly valued level of skill.

There is an opportunity to move on to a Level 3 National
Certificate course, this would build on the theory you will have learned and could then lead you towards a Higher National Qualification, Foundation Degree and eventually a full Degree.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The PEO course is made up of three mandatory units which are:

• Working safely in an engineering environment
• Working efficiently and effectively in engineering
• Using and communicating technical information

There are three further units and these are the practical units delivered in our workshops and involve bench skills, lathes, milling machines and CNC.

This course is your chance to commence a very worthwhile career which has many pathways and different employment opportunities. This qualification can:

• Provide the foundation for a career in engineering
• Recognise competence to national occupational standards in identified areas
• Prove ability to do a particular job
• Contribute to the completion of an engineering apprenticeship
• Lead to further development
• Give a sense of achievement.