First Diploma in Engineering Manufacturing
Course Code:330FED21A
Course Type:Full-time
Qualification:
BTEC First Diploma in Engineering
Units of Performing Engineering Operations NVQ Level 2
Duration: 1 Year
Venue:
Crawley Campus, College Road,
Crawley West Sussex, RH10 1NR
Start Date: September
Suitable For: School leavers looking to progress on to BTEC National Certificate or Diploma at Level 3 whose grades may not allow direct entry onto those programmes. As well as helping to improve the maths level required for the Level 3 programmes you will also spend time on practical engineering. You will be interested in aspects of engineering, enjoy designing things and using computers.
Entry By: Interview and assessment
Entry Requirements:
You must be at least 16 years old and have four GCSEs grade D-G or above, or relevant work experience, or other related Level 1 qualifications plus a college assessment and interview.
Course Content:
This course takes a selection of units from two qualifications. The BTEC first Diploma in Engineering is the main qualification being achieved through this programme.
The BTEC First Diploma in Engineering - consists of 4 mandatory units and a selection of optional units. The optional units may vary year on year depending on demand and availability of resources and we cannot guarantee specific units. In some cases we may be able to offer additional units.
The mandatory units are:
1. Working Practice in Engineering
The ability to work safely in an environment is essential for the well-being of self and others. The aim of this unit is to deal with the essential working practices of engineering to ensure that learners appreciate potential hazards. This way, learners can enjoy all the challenges that an engineering profession can offer without undue fear for their own safety or for that of others.
2. Using and Interpreting Engineering Information
The ability to access and use information is probably one of the most critical skills required in engineering. This unit will enable learners 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. Learners will consider how best to extract information from engineering drawings and related documents and also how to use drawings and related documentation to establish the work that needs to be done, carry out the work requirements and check their own work output.
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.
4. Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
Engineers solve problems, many of which require the use of mathematical formulae and equations. This unit is designed to provide the learner with the underpinning knowledge to solve such problems. Scientific principles such as Ohm's Law and Newton's Laws of Motion can all be described by algebraic equations.
The selection of optional units most likely to be delivered on this course includes;
8. Selecting Engineering Materials
Engineering technicians need to be able to identify the materials that are specified on engineering drawings, production plans and servicing schedules. Some materials such as copper and lead have a distinctive appearance but others are not so easy to tell apart. This is particularly true to the different grades of steel, brass and aluminium alloys. Very often, a technician has to select raw materials in the form of wire, bars, sheet metal and plate from stores and also components such as rivets, nuts and bolts. It is essential to select the correct material if a product or a replaced component is to be fit for its intended purpose.
The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with an understanding of a range of common materials encountered in engineering, their properties, uses and availability.
9. Engineering Assembly Techniques
The practice of engineering is dependent on the arrangement of components and assemblies to carry out specific design functions. This unit aims to give learners the necessary skills and knowledge to use tools to carry out a range of relevant assembly methods and techniques on engineering equipment. For example the assembly/sub assembly and fitting of mechanical, electrical/electronic, fluid power and pipe work components or systems in accordance with approved procedures.
10. Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques in Engineering
Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) is used extensively throughout the engineering industry as a means of communicating drawing data to required standards. Two and Three-Dimensional representations of components can be drawn and modified allowing the sharing of data from designer to customer. CAD data can be shared with CNC machines and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, which may then assist in improving productivity, flexibility and quality of the final product.
The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with an introduction to CAD and to enable them to produce engineering drawings to given industry standards. The unit will provide the necessary foundation to study CAD at a higher level.
14. Selecting and Using Secondary Machining Techniques to Remove Material
This unit aims to provide a detailed understanding of the manufacturing process mainly associated with generating and forming shapes through machining techniques. The unit introduces the learner to secondary techniques, giving a deeper understanding of the practical process involved.
15. Programming CNC Machines
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is used extensively throughout the engineering industry as a means of producing precisely controlled movements. It's main application in engineering manufacturing is in the production of components using machine tools for material removal. Turning and milling centres, grinding, Electronic Discharge Machining (EDM) die and wiring and fabrication are some examples of these machine tools. In addition to the manufacturing processes, CNC is also used to aid the quality control process by providing the movement of probes (for in-line inspection) and on Co-ordinate Measuring Machines (CMM). CNC has revolutionised the engineering manufacturing environment in many ways. In particular, it has helped to improve productivity, design, flexibility and quality.
The aim of this unit is to give learners an introduction to CNC part programming, and to enable them to interpret part programmes in terms of storage, transferability and flexibility.
18. Engineering Marking Out
The manufacture of a product always starts from raw materials that have to be formed and shaped into the components that go to make up the product. The aim of this unit is to give learners the understanding and skills needed for the measurement and marking out of components in preparation for machining operations. The first step in the manufacture or development of a product is critical to all the processes that follow.
Other units that may be included instead are;
19. Electronic Circuit Construction and Testing
An electronic technician can be involved in a wide range of tasks and should be able to apply the practical and theoretical principles of electronics to the development, manufacture and servicing of electronic equipment and systems. In general, electronics technicians perform the technical functions involved in assembling, installing, repairing and maintaining electronic equipment. These include calibrating, prototyping and modifying electronic circuitry, components and systems and assembling circuitry for electronic systems according to engineering instructions and technical manuals.
16 Application of Welding Processes
When metal components are assembled, welding is frequently used to ensure permanent, high quality connections. This applies to a diverse number of engineering industries including those involving sheet metal, structural steel fabrication and motor vehicle bodies. This unit gives learners with little or no previous welding experience the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the processes used throughout the industry. The techniques learned at each stage are transferable across a range of production systems.
Assessment of each unit is via specific practical tasks and assignments.
The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Performing Engineering Operations - consists of 3 mandatory units and a selection of a minimum of 3 optional units. The optional units may vary year on year depending on demand and availability of resources and we cannot guarantee specific units. In some cases we may be able to offer additional units.
The mandatory Units are:
Unit 1:Working Safely in an Engineering Environment
Unit 2:Working Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering
Unit 3:Using and Communicating Technical Information
The selection of optional units includes;
Unit 4:Producing Mechanical Engineering Drawings Using a CAD System
Unit 5:Producing Components Using Hand fitting Techniques
Unit 11:Preparing and Using Lathes for Turning Operations
Unit 12:Preparing and Using Milling Machines
Unit 14:Preparing and Proving CNC Machine Tool Programs
Unit 15:Preparing and Using CNC Turning Machines
Unit 16:Preparing and Using CNC Milling Machines
Unit 17:Preparing and Using CNC Machining Centres
Unit 36:Assembling and Testing Electronic Circuits
The units selected will dovetail into the units delivered within the First Diploma above but require the candidate to perform multiple tasks usually including at least one complex task under strict assessment conditions.
Assessment of each unit is by practical tasks and written assignments. The candidate produces a portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence in the designated units.
Outcome of Course and Progression:
BTEC First Diploma in Engineering
Cost:
For the future academic year home students Under 19 on 31 August will not have to pay any tuition, awarding body, exam or administration fees. Students may make a voluntary contribution towards these costs if they wish. Students who are over 19 on the 31st August will have to pay tuition, awarding body, exam or administration fees. Please contact Admissions for further information on these fees.
Notes:
Candidates will be supplied with Personal Protective Equipment of boiler suit and steel toe capped shoes.
