Age 16-18
This course serves as a stepping stone for progression onto Level 3 Engineering, or to enrol in engineering-related apprenticeships, or seek employment within the diverse engineering sector.
Course Overview
Entry requirements
Grade 3 Maths GCSE or L1 Functional Skill Maths, 4 GCSEs at grade 3 including Maths OR English
Course information
This course equips you with the core skills and knowledge needed to thrive across the engineering sector. You will build a solid grounding in engineering fundamentals and the applications of engineering principles, then explore how theory translates into real world solutions. Through hands on labs and problem based projects, you will learn to analyse, design and test components and systems, developing confidence with industry standard tools and safe working practices.
As you progress, you will explore key disciplines including mechanical and electronic engineering, while also studying how complete engineering systems are specified, integrated and maintained. Alongside the technical content, you will strengthen essential professional skills such as technical communication, teamwork, and structured problem solving, preparing you for further study, apprenticeships or entry level roles.
Key topics
- Engineering fundamentals (forces, energy, materials, tolerances)
- Applications of engineering principles (design for manufacture, prototyping, testing)
- Mechanical engineering (mechanisms, statics, dynamics, fluids, thermals)
- Electronic engineering (circuits, sensors, actuators, basic embedded systems)
- Engineering systems (systems thinking, integration, reliability, maintenance)
- CAD and technical drawing (2D/3D, dimensioning, assemblies)
- Materials and manufacturing processes (selection, machining, additive methods)
- Measurement, instrumentation and data analysis
- Engineering mathematics for problem solving
- Health, safety and risk assessment in workshops and labs
- Sustainability and ethics in engineering decisions
- Project work including teamwork, planning, documentation and presentation
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How you are assessed
Assessment is diverse and reflective of real-world engineering challenges. While two units are externally assessed, the remaining units are assessed through a combination of coursework, practical assessments, and project evaluations. You will have the opportunity to showcase your understanding and proficiency in various engineering disciplines through practical demonstrations, written assignments, and project presentations. -
Why study at NCC?
- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
With regeneration projects and trade opportunities booming, New City College is the perfect place to gain the practical skills for a successful career in Construction and Skilled Trades, one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.
Through employer partnerships, work placements and apprenticeship pathways, you’ll get real on-the-job experience in trades like engineering, carpentry, motor vehicle, bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation.
We’re proud to be one of only 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in the UK, receiving extra investment to deliver cutting-edge training where the industry needs it most. With links to major employers including Vinci, Kier, Mace and SWIFT Brickwork, you’ll leave with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed. And with employers often coming to NCC first to fill vacancies, our students get the inside track on new job opportunities.
Select your campus option to apply
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
Dates
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027
What Can This Course Lead To
Life At NCC
Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!
Facilities for Students
At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.
Financial Support
There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.
