Qualification NVQ Level 1

Equivalent to GCSE Grade D-G

Location Primarily the course will be delivered at All Saints School by CTI, A4E and AET.

Course Description

This qualification is suitable for young people who are wishing to gain a basic understanding of engineering principles. Students will gain basic knowledge of safety and engineering practices, be able to recognise materials and processes, and use industrial standard communication methods such as engineering drawings.

Students will make components and test pieces from a variety of materials using hand tools and machine tools.
Study will include the equivalent of one day per week subject to timetable constraints and available teaching facilities.

The engineering courses will be enhanced by support from industry which might include a company visit, projects, problem solving exercises, or a representative coming into class to give a talk.

How is the course assessed?

There will be no exams. Assessment will be by the training provider who will set tasks in relation to the qualification, document what they have observed and get pupils to collect evidence of activity. These will be collated to develop a portfolio of evidence.

What is the exam board?

A variety are available

Entry Requirements

A level 4 in Maths, Science, English and Design & Technology

Skills Gained

This assists in training young people in both engineering skills and in the softer transferable skills which any employer would require such as Problem Solving, Team working and applying ICT.

Opportunities in Engineering

In South Yorkshire there are over 600 Engineering and Manufacturing companies employing approximately 60, 000 people. Yorkshire Forward has projected growth for 2002-2010 at 18% - mainly from electronics, electrical and chemical industries. To remain competitive the Engineering Employers Federation is on target to raise skills levels to up to 70% of the workforce to at least NVQ Level 3 by 2010. It also suggests that at that time and beyond it will be employing 50% of the workforce with a Level 5 qualification.
An ageing workforce will also affect the level of skills remaining in the industry.

In simple terms - many jobs in these sectors are becoming more technical and require more skills!

On completion of the NVQ Level 1, students can progress to NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations or similar.

The Level 1 also prepares students for an engineering work placement and/or an Apprenticeship where they can become a skilled engineer.

Students of Engineering have the opportunity of entering annual competitions which include the 'Young Engineer of Britain' and Sheffield CADCAM awards. The CADCAM awards are a school team competition.

For more information on about Engineering in Sheffield contact Gary Drabble.

Engineering Newsletter 2006

Further Information

www.semta.org.uk/enginuity
www.eefsouth.org
www.sheffcol.ac.uk
www.metskill.co.uk/careers/training.htm
www.designcouncil.org.uk
www.bsi-global.com
www.engc.org.uk
www.metcom.org.uk
www.connexionsinsheffield.org.uk