Engineering - Vocational Academy
Opportunities in the North West
Engineering is one of the best industries for making it to the top and the North West remains the biggest area in the country for Engineering and Manufacturing. The career opportunities are extremely good, with good salaries and benefits. We have great links with all the major employers, teaching apprentices for Springfields (BNFL), British Energy, John Huddleston Engineering, Cavitech Solutions as well as providing training for BAE Systems, Leyland Trucks and many more. Career routes include CAD and CAM Technicians, Fabrication, Machining and Welding Engineers, Electronic and Inspection Engineers. We are an Associate Member of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN), which is providing our students with excellent opportunities to become involved in the next generation of nuclear power.
What Course Should You Do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above
- Technology
- Electronic Engineering
- Maintenance Engineering
Level 3
If you have 4 passes at GCSE grade C or above (including Maths and Science) or a merit grade at First Certificate (eg BTEC)
- Technology
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Maintenance Engineering
Career Low-Down
| Job title | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machinist/Fitter | Use hand tools and manual workshop machines to produce precise engineering components. | Between £18,000 and £25,000a year after serving a recognised craft apprenticeship. | A relevant apprenticeship served to Level 2 or Level 3. |
| Fabrication and Welding Engineer | Fabrication engineers use hand tools and specialist equipment. Welding engineers produce strong sealed joints. | Between £15,000 and £22,000 a year after serving a recognised craft apprenticeship. | A relevant apprenticeship served to Level 2 or Level 3. |
| CAD Technician | Produce accurate 2D and 3D computer images of working components using specialist software such as AutoCAD. | Between £20,000 and £30,000 a year after serving a recognised technician apprenticeship. | A relevant apprenticeship served to Level 3. Usually qualified to HNC/D or degree level. |
| CNC/CAM Technician | Produce very accurate machined components from 2D and 3D computer images using specialist software. | Between £20,000 and £30,000 a year after serving a recognised technician apprenticeship. | A relevant apprenticeship served to Level 3. Usually qualified to HNC/D or degree level. |
| Electronics Engineer | Manufacture printed circuit boards and/or test existing boards. | Between £20,000 and £30,000 a year after serving an apprenticeship. | A relevant apprenticeship served to Level 3. Usually qualified to HNC/D or degree level. |
Meet the Learner
Name: Tom Neale
Age: 23
High School: Highfield
Course: BTEC National Diploma in Manufacturing and Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance
Why College?
I’ve always been interested in practical subjects like engineering and the facilities here were far superior to those offered anywhere else.
What’s good?
I enjoyed the practical sessions such as CNC, CAD, CAM and Robotics. Tutors were always willing to help and the College has fantastic links with industry.
Social scene?
I enjoyed meeting new friends – most of us have stayed in touch and still enjoy a night out.
What’s next?
I’m now a key player in the maintenance team at Supreme Plastics after completing my Advanced Apprenticeship. It’s a superb job!
Final thought:
It’s an excellent place to study and gives you confidence in your own ability.
To find out more about Vocational study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our Vocational Academy Section
