Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (General Engineering) - Level 3

Summary

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is a two-year, full-time programme designed to equip learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required for a career in modern engineering. In Year 1, students complete the Certificate, which forms the foundation of the full Extended Diploma delivered in Year 2.

Ideal for school leavers and those progressing from a Level 2 qualification, this programme prepares students for higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into employment across a range of engineering sectors. The course is delivered through coursework-based assignments, avoiding formal written exams and supporting consistent progress and applied learning.

This Extended Diploma is also closely aligned with engineering apprenticeship standards, ensuring a smooth transition for learners who choose to move into an apprenticeship after completing the course without duplicating content or effort.

Programme Structure:

  • Year 1: BTEC Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
  • Year 2: Progression to BTEC Extended Diploma  (this course)

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
2 Years

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is a widely recognised qualification that opens multiple career routes in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Whether students choose to enter the workforce directly, pursue a higher-level apprenticeship, or continue into university-level study, this course lays a strong foundation for future success.

This course is ideal for learners who:
  • Aspire to become qualified engineers or technicians
  • Plan to progress into engineering apprenticeships at Level 4 or higher
  • Want to move on to higher education in fields such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering
  • Seek employment in skilled technical roles across modern industry
     

Potential Career Pathways:

  • Engineering Technician (Mechanical, Electrical, or Multi-skilled)
  • Manufacturing/Production Engineer
  • Maintenance Technician
  • CAD Technician or Design Engineer
  • Welding/Fabrication Specialist
  • Quality Control or Process Engineer
  • Toolmaker or CNC Machinist
  • Automation and Robotics Technician

Industries You Could Work In:

  • Aerospace and Aviation
  • Renewable Energy and Utilities
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
  • Electronics and Telecommunications
  • Automotive and Motorsport

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, students can progress to a range of higher education courses at Blackpool and The Fylde College, including HNCs and BEng degrees in disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Robotics, Industrial, and Automotive Engineering. These qualifications offer further specialisation and career development, helping students advance toward highly skilled roles or continue their journey to becoming chartered engineers.

Other study options

For learners who prefer to earn while they learn, completing the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma also provides a strong foundation for progression into a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in engineering or manufacturing.

Examples of Apprenticeship Progression Routes:
  • Engineering Technician (Level 4)
  • Manufacturing Engineer (Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship)
  • Product Design and Development Engineer
  • Electrical/Electronic Technical Support Engineer
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Control/Automation Engineer
  • Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician

Employment Opportunities

Students finishing this course will be equipped with the technical skills and knowledge to begin careers in a range of entry-level and technician roles within the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Some potential job titles include:

  • Engineering Technician
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
  • Electrical Engineering Technician
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Production Line Technician
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Process Operator
  • Toolmaker or Toolroom Assistant
  • CAD Technician (Computer-Aided Design)
  • Technical Support Engineer
  • Assembly Technician

Key information

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved the following:

  • Successful completion of Year 1 (Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering)
    and/or
  • A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 C) or above, which must include:
    • Mathematics (grade 4 or above)
    • Science (grade 4 or above)
    • English at a minimum of grade 3, with the expectation that you will resit English GCSE alongside the main programme

These requirements ensure you are prepared for the technical demands of the course while continuing to meet essential academic standards..

Qualification obtained

BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge)

Extra costs and equipment

You will need to provide your own safety boots, safety goggles, and overalls/boiler suit for practical activities. A typical pair of safety boots should cost no more than £12, and a pair of overalls around £15.
All other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided by the College.

All tools and equipment required for practical sessions will be supplied, and you will have access to computers and all necessary software within College facilities.

You are expected to bring your own pen, pencil, calculator, basic drawing equipment, and a notepad for theory and workshop sessions.

Please note: A small additional fee may be required to cover the cost of educational tours and site visits, where applicable.

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering will provide you with a wide range of technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours essential for working in modern engineering environments.

Building on the foundation set in Year 1 (Certificate in AME), the second year of the programme introduces advanced and specialised units that deepen your understanding of core engineering principles and technologies used in industry today.

You will learn how to:

  • Solve complex problems using advanced engineering mathematics
  • Understand the properties and behaviour of engineering materials
  • Select and programme PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) used in automation
  • Apply further electrical and mechanical principles in real-world engineering contexts
  • Develop knowledge of industrial robotics and automation systems
  • Use mechanical measurement and inspection techniques for quality assurance
  • Explore composite materials and advanced manufacturing planning techniques
  • Design and evaluate engineering solutions through structured engineering design projects

Units Covered in Year 2 Include:

  • Unit 6 – Further Engineering Mathematics
  • Unit 7 – Properties and Applications of Engineering Materials
  • Unit 19 – Selecting and Using Programmable Controllers
  • Unit 33 – Further Electrical Principles
  • Unit 40 – Industrial Robot Technology
  • Unit 43 – Mechanical Measurement and Inspection Techniques
  • Unit 55 – Further Mechanical Principles and Applications
  • Unit 65 – Engineering Design
  • Unit 74 – Advanced Composite Materials and Manufacturing Planning

This learning is assessed entirely through coursework-based assignments, allowing you to apply what you  have learned in practical, workplace-style scenarios while tracking your ongoing progress.

Essential skills: English and Maths

If you achieve a Grade 3 in GCSE English, you will be required to continue studying these subjects alongside your main programme.

At B&FC, this will not delay your career progress, as you will work towards improving these qualifications while completing your chosen course.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An industry placement is a required element of this course and typically begins once you’ve gained a solid understanding of safe working practices.

Whilst you are encouraged to arrange your own placement, the college will provide support to help you find one that aligns with your interests and offers valuable experience.

You will also have the chance to take part in field trips and hear from guest speakers working in the industry, giving you deeper insight into the engineering world.

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of classroom-based instruction, hands-on practical activities, real-world engineering projects, and oral presentations. The programme does not include formal written examinations; instead, assessment is carried out through coursework, practical tasks, written assignments, and oral presentations. You will have opportunities to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams, gaining both technical knowledge and the workplace skills required for a successful career in engineering.

Regular one-to-one sessions with your Progress Tutor will allow you to review your development and receive personalised guidance. The learning environment is structured and supportive, with clear target setting and progress reviews designed to help you stay focused and achieve your full potential.