16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Engineering Performing Operations (Level 1)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

Three or more GCSEs at Grade 2 including:

  • GCSE English Language and maths at Grade 2 (or equivalent)
  • Successful completion of Entry 3, and appropriate recommendation report

Course information

The Performing Engineering Operations course is designed to give you a broad-based understanding and knowledge of the practical sides of engineering. If you prefer practical ways of learning rather than spending hours in the classroom, this course is for you. With this course you will study some underpinning theory to develop your understanding of the engineering environment, health and safety, engineering drawing, and other topics.

The Performing Engineering Operations Level 1 course is a basic introduction to engineering manufacturing and will suit you if you are just starting out in your engineering career and require a broad range of competencies to enable safe progression into the workplace. Successful students who gain the Level 1 qualification can progress to study further Level 2 Engineering courses.

You will need to provide your own overalls and safety boots to BSE standard to study this course. One pair of safety glasses will be provided free of charge, however, you will need to purchase an additional pair if you lose or forget your glasses.

Key topics

You can expect to:

  • Learn how to work in theworkshop in a safe manner while gaining an understanding of health and safety regulations
  • Read and understand engineering drawings which will enable you to manufacture engineered parts
  • Gain an understanding as to why it is important to work efficiently and effectively in an engineering environment
  • Produce products using hand fitting skills
  • Produce products while using the lathe
  • How you are assessed

    You will be assessed using a range of methods, such as demonstration of competent practical skills and completion of logbooks. Your underpinning knowledge of the relevant subject areas will be assessed using standard questions and written answers.

  • 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.

Available Campuses

Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027

What Can This Course Lead To

Successful completion of this course can lead to progression onto the Performing Engineering Operations at Level 2, and also other Automotive and Engineering programmes. The course develops a wide range of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, team working, understanding technical information, critical thinking and gaining the necessary workshop skills that the sector requires. Students will develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed if they choose to go directly into employment in the mechanical engineering industry.

Did you know?
Engineering and manufacturing is one of the UK's broadest sectors and, according to Engineering UK, workers within the sector accounted for 19% of all UK employees in 2019. While some engineering- related industries, such as mining and quarrying, are in decline, a range of other fields are actively seeking new recruits in aerospace, automotive, design, manufacturing, power, marine, instrumentation and control telecoms, digital communications and networks, software, rail, process control,  production, project management and transportation.

Life At NCC

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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.

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