Introduction
The BTEC First Diploma in Engineering is a level 2 full time course. It is recognised by employers and educational institutions. Successful completion of the course gives an award that is the equivalent to 4 GCSE’s at grades A*-C.
The course prepares student to either enter into employment within the engineering sector or to move on to higher educational courses. Students from past years have found apprenticeships, gone to college to take level 3 courses and have stayed at Eastbury to take A’s level examinations. The course gives students opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life.
The course consists of a number of units that are directly linked to some aspect of engineering. The units have a suggested time requirement of 360 hours to complete. Students will be involved with manufacturing objects from metal, assembling and testing electronic circuits, using CAD and plumbing.
The course is assessed through the completion of assignments that are marked by the teachers. There are no written examinations.
Why choose a career in engineering ?
The engineering sector continues to suffer from a skills gap and needs to keep up with rapidly developing technologies. New entrants to an engineering career need to build the underpinning knowledge and specific skills needed to meet the needs of modern engineering industries.
The work an engineer undertakes changes as the products society uses changes. In sectors such as electronic engineering the changes are very fast. The personal computer has only existed for 20 years or so. Mobile phones have only been in common use for 10 years. All these technologies are designed, manufactured and maintained by engineers. It is likely that a student entering into a career in electronic engineering will in a few years time be working on machines that have not been invented yet.
Engineering will provide students with a career with long term prospects. Students entering into an engineering career will find many opportunities to learn new skills. The more skills a person has the more money they earn.
About the course
The course has is made up of core units that all centres must complete and optional units that the centre chooses.
There are 4 core units. Each unit is allocated 30 hours for completion. The units have work in them that links to other units. For example unit 1 has work related to safety. The knowledge gained in this unit will be used while making the objects in unit 14.
The 4 core units are;
Unit 1: Working Practices in Engineering
The aim of this unit is to deal with the essential working practices of engineering to ensure that students appreciate potential hazards.
Unit 2: Using and Interpreting Engineering Information
The aim of this unit is to enable students to understand how to make effective use of textual, numeric and graphical information when working with engineering drawings, technical manuals, reference tables, specifications, charts or electronic displays, in accordance with approved procedures.
Unit 3: Applied Electrical and Mechanical Science for Technicians
The aim of this unit is to provide a foundation of the scientific concepts and principles associated with electrical and mechanical engineering. The usefulness of these concepts and principles can then be seen by applying them to real engineering situations and problems.
Unit 4: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
This unit will provide the learner with the underpinning knowledge and skills to solve problems that are faced by engineers that require the use of mathematical formulae and equations.
The 5 optional units are;
Unit 9: Engineering Assembly Techniques (30 Hours)
Students will be provided with the necessary skills and knowledge to use tools to carry out a range of relevant assembly methods and techniques on engineering equipment. Students will assemble a system that simulates part of a water system found in homes. This may involve connecting radiators, water pumps etc.
Unit 10: Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques (60 Hours)
This unit will provide the student with an introduction to CAD and to enable students to produce engineering drawings to given industry standards.
Unit 14: Selecting and Using Secondary Machining Techniques to Remove Material (60 Hours)
This unit provides students with a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes that are mainly associated with generating and forming of shapes through machining techniques.
Unit 19: Electronic Circuit Construction and Testing (60 Hours)
Students will be introduced to some of the skills and related theory required when using simple circuits and working as an electronics technician.
They will construct a variety of circuits and test them to ensure the circuits meet the specification.
Unit 25: Production Planning Techniques (30 Hours)
Students will develop confidence in understanding the factors that affect the selection of appropriate processes for manufacturing organisation.
Student profiles
The students pictured below completed the course in 2006.
Student One
GCSE Results
3 x Grade C, 5 x Grade D
Why did you choose BTEC?
"It sounded interesting and I find hands-on learning more enjoyable."
BTEC Results
At least a merit
Future Options
"Going to CEME for level 3 electrician’s course, or getting an apprenticeship."
Best part of BTEC
"I enjoyed making things the most, repairing the go cart."
Worst Part of BTEC
"No really bad parts I enjoyed all of it."
Student Two
GCSE Results
1 x Grade A, 4 x Grade C, 2 x Grade D
Why did you choose BTEC?
"To be an engineer - my aim is to be an electrician."
BTEC Results
At least a pass
Future Options
"I am am going to choose between a doing CEME electrician course or the same course at Waltham Forest with German language and a apprenticeship with Volvo truck. My eventual aim is to work for a German company in England so I can combine my language and engineering skills."
Best part of BTEC
"I enjoyed using the lathes and the electronics."
Worst Part of BTEC
"I did not enjoy doing the risks assessments for the IVA." (this is no longer part of the course)
What’s Next?
If after reading the information above you think the course may be for you then contact
one of the staff in the design and technology department at Eastbury Comprehensive School
if you want any more information.