Level 3 Enhanced Engineering Programme (EEP) in Mechanical Engineering
- Graig Campus
The Fast-Track Engineering Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway
Are you a committed student with strong skills in maths and science looking to kickstart a career in engineering?
Our Enhanced Mechanical Engineering Programme is not your standard college course. Designed for motivated students who already hold strong GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science, this is an intensive, one-year dual-award pathway. It is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the high-pressure demands of the modern engineering industry.
Future-Proof Your Career: Where Mechanical Engineering Can Take You
Mechanical engineers are the architects of anything that moves. By completing this intensive programme, you open the door to highly lucrative, cutting-edge industries. You could find yourself working in Aerospace and Aviation, developing lightweight composites for next-generation aircraft, or in Automotive Engineering, designing advanced propulsion systems for electric vehicles. The skills you learn are critical to Robotics and Automation, where you might program and maintain automated assembly lines, or Renewable Energy, engineering high-efficiency wind and tidal turbines. Whether your ultimate goal is to become a precision CNC specialist, a high-earning design consultant, or a project manager leading global infrastructure projects, this pathway provides the launchpad.
Are You Ready?
We are looking for the engineers of tomorrow—those who are ready to work hard, think fast, and commit to a demanding schedule. If you have the GCSEs and the drive, we have the fast track to your career.
Course details
- Full time
- English
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
Why Choose the Enhanced Pathway?
This is our flagship course designed to build both academic and practical skills required for an engineering career. It puts you ahead of the game in preparing you for an engineering apprenticeship. Most students take two years to reach this level of competency. We’ve condensed the most vital industry skills and technical knowledge into a single, high-octane year. By the end of this programme, you will have earned two distinct qualifications:
- EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations: This is your “shop floor” pass. It focuses on the hands-on practical skills that employers actually want, ensuring you are “site-ready” from day one.
- EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies: This is your academic engine. Equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels, this technical qualification dives deep into the science and mathematics that power engineering systems.
A High-Intensity Commitment
This programme is designed to mimic the professional world. If you are looking for a casual timetable, this is not the course for you.
- 5 Days a Week: Full-time attendance is mandatory. You will balance your time between our maintenance workshops, technical labs and classrooms.
- Industry Immersion: To ensure you are ahead of the competition, you will complete a minimum of 5 weeks (25 days) of industry work experience and visits during your college holidays. This isn’t just “shadowing”—it’s an opportunity to build a professional network and prove your worth to potential employers. Please note this is a mandatory requirement for the course, and you are expected to seek work experience and industry engagement opportunities from local employers. The college team will help support students with employer contacts, but the onus is on you to apply and organise these 5 weeks. A work place time-sheet will be required to evidence your experiences.
- Academic Rigour: We target students with a strong foundation in STEM because the pace of learning and course volume is intense. You will be expected to apply complex mathematical principles to real-world engineering problems.
Qualification & Subject Units Studied
| EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations | EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies |
| Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements | Engineering and environmental health and safety |
| Working Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering | Engineering organisational efficiency and improvement |
| Using and Communicating Technical Information | Engineering mathematics |
| Producing Components using Hand Fitting Techniques | Electrical and electronic principles |
| Preparing and using lathes for turning operations | Mechanical engineering principles |
| Preparing and using milling machines | Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) |
| Assembling and Testing Fluid Power Systems | Engineering design process |
Your course will also include a 2 hour session every week with your course tutor, which follows a formal college wide tutorial programme and progress tracking and monitoring.
Your Progression: Two Routes to Success
Completion of this year puts you in a “win-win” position. You will have the dual-award edge that makes you a top-tier candidate for the most competitive apprenticeships, or you can stay with us to finish your academic journey.
| Path A: The Apprenticeship Route | Path B: The Academic Route |
| Use your NVQ and Technical Diploma to secure a Level 3 or Degree Apprenticeship. Employers value the fact that you already have 5 weeks of industry experience and practical shop-floor training. | Return for a second year to complete the EAL Technical Extended Diploma. This boosts your qualification to the equivalent of 3 A-Levels, opening doors to Higher Education or University Engineering degrees. |
Continuous Assessment throughout the year with 3 -10 assessments per unit
| EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations | EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies |
| Underpinning Knowledge Assessment using observations of practical tasks and professional discussions | Controlled in-class Written Tests |
| Written Log Books | Controlled Practical Assessments |
| Practical Assessments | On-line Tests |
This qualification is available to be assessed through the medium of English only.
7 GCSEs grades at A* - C to include Mathematics, English/Welsh first language and Science
A successful interview showing motivation and commitment to the programme including an aptitude test and initial assessment.
College Admin Fee is £25 prior to enrolment
The following equipment is required and supplied at a cost of £80
(Funding is available for eligible students)
- PPE - Overalls, Safety Boots, Safety Glasses.
- Course Folder
- Zeus Books
- Measuring Equipment
- Stationary
- Calculator
In addition a £200 Toolbox is funded by Welsh Government.