College launches Engineering & Manufacturing T Level

Furness College is launching a new qualification for school leavers to pursue their dream career in engineering using its world-class facilities.

The T Level in Engineering & Manufacturing is a technical alternative to three A levels and starts at the Channelside campus in September 2022.

T Levels are a two-year qualification following GCSEs and feature classroom learning alongside a compulsory industry placement to support a student’s readiness for employment.

Students will have the choice of two specialist pathways either Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering and complete 45-days with a national or local engineering company. They will learn in the college’s state-of-the-art £4m Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre.

Sue Hannan, assistant principal for curriculum, said the college was delighted to add engineering to the suite of T Levels available.

“Furness College is already well-known for the quality of our technical engineering qualifications and we are thrilled to now offer a T Level to give our learners another way of achieving their career goals.

“This course is targeted at high-achieving young people aiming for a career in engineering through a higher apprenticeship or university but who don’t want to follow a traditional A Level route to get there.

“Engineering careers are a popular destination for our college students due to the range of employment available in this area and this course is ideal for those who have finished their GCSEs and prefer the technical and workplace learning.”

T Levels have been designed in collaboration with businesses and can lead straight into skilled employment or give students the chance to progress to university, higher apprenticeship or to the HNC programme at Furness College.

Students on the Engineering & Manufacturing T Level will learn about core engineering, including essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing, mechanical principles, project and programme management, working in the sector and professional responsibilities, attitudes and behaviours.

They will also complete an employer-set project to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of engineering design principles.

The entry requirements for the Engineering & Manufacturing T Level at Furness College are five GCSEs at grade 5 or above to include science with a grade 6 in Maths. Full information about the course is available at https://www.furness.ac.uk/courses/course-detail/course/tlevel-engineering-manufacturing/

The college also offers T Levels in the areas of digital, leading to careers in design and development, health leading to nursing careers, education and childcare leading to careers in primary teaching and science leading to careers in laboratory science.

Jessica Jackson, who is studying a T Level in Health at the Channelside campus with a view to a nursing career, said: “The practical work element of a T Level suits my learning style so this course is the right choice for me.”

Find out more about all the options for studying after GCSE at the upcoming College Open Evenings at Sixth Form on Wednesday 10th November and Channelside on Wednesday 17th November from 5pm to 8pm.

There will be an advice event next month for employers who are interested in offering an industry placement to an engineering student. If you are interested in finding out more, email tlevels@furness.ac.uk