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Foundation in Engineering

Foundation in Engineering

Level 3
Gloucester

Course Overview

Full Time
Certificate

Engineering is at the heart of innovation and plays a crucial role in industries worldwide. If you’re looking to develop your technical knowledge and skills, this course is the perfect starting point. Delivered on-campus in our industry-standard classrooms and workshops, this course offers a one or two year programme. Whether you’re starting level 1 after your GCSEs or continuing from level 2, this course provides an excellent foundation for a career in engineering.

What you'll learn

You’ll gain a comprehensive introduction to engineering principles and skills required in technical roles.

The BTEC Level 3 route, which includes the BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Engineering in year 1, with an option to progress to the Extended Diploma in Engineering in year 2.

Please note, year 1 of the BTEC route is delivered at our Gloucester campus and year 2 is delivered from our Cheltenham campus.

If you wish to progress to university, you will need to complete our two year course.

Year 1 - Gloucester Campus

  • Engineering Principles
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
  • Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
  • Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
  • Computer Aided Design in Engineering
  • Work Experience in the Engineering Sector
  • Manufacturing Computer Numerical Control Machining Processes
  • Additive Manufacturing Processes

Year 2Cheltenham Campus

  • A Specialist Engineering Project
  • Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
  • Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
  • Further Engineering Mathematics
  • Electronic Devices and Circuits
  • Electronic Measurement and Testing of Circuits
  • Programmable Logic Controllers

Highlights

You can expect to:

  • Gain hands-on experience in purpose-built workshops using industry-standard engineering tools and software
  • Learn from experienced tutors who bring real-world engineering expertise
  • Access fantastic, local industry links and support to gain work placement opportunities
  • Develop skills that are highly valued by employers and universities, with options to progress onto higher education or an apprenticeship
  • Choose from two engineering routes, allowing you to tailor your learning to your future career goals

Assessments

Assessment methods vary and include assignments, practical projects and may incudes exams.

Anything else?

You will be required to wear steel toe capped boots, appropriate clothing and PPE for any practical sessions.

We also have student development sessions which will support you towards your future career plans. You will have time for continuous professional development (CPD), and you will take part in our Which Three Skills programme to enhance your employability and professional development.

 

  • A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 4 and above (A*-C) including both English and maths (with maths being at a Grade 5 minimum).

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  • At the end of year 1 you can progress onto the second year which will enable you to progress onto higher education at Gloucestershire College, including HTQ (HNC), university or employment.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
Foundation in Engineering

What You Will Pay

Please contact Student Services on 0345 155 2020 for pricing information.

Engineering covers a wide range of careers and exciting job opportunities. You could work in communications, electrical or electronic engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, medical technology, power systems and transport – to name a few!

Studying engineering at Gloucestershire College not only gives you the opportunity to get career-focused qualifications, but you’ll also have access to some of the best facilities available, which are vital to support study in this technology-based field.

Engineering is a key sector in Gloucestershire, so you’ll get excellent opportunities for work experience with our employer partners. You’ll also be in a great position to progress on to a range of higher apprenticeships, trailblazer degree programmes and foundation degrees that are validated by the University of the West of England, and delivered by the College at our Gloucester Campus.

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Student Stories

Millie Keddie

“I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on and practical. Mechanical engineering is not all theory based; there is lots of opportunity to solve problems by making things, and perfecting them in your own way. There’s a stereotype that engineering is a man’s job. I love the industry, I don’t care about the stereotype. It’s not a man’s job and it doesn’t matter what gender you are, you can do anything if your heart is in it."

Millie Keddie

Level 2 – Mechanical Engineering – Gloucester Campus

Tom Chapman

"I’m studying at GC because my employer, Unilever, thought it would be a good course for me to attend to expand my knowledge. As a maintenance engineer, the HNC course allows me to expand my knowledge and help progression in my career. The equipment is decent and mimics the workplace, so skills can easily translate. The electrical lecturers are good too, and I’ve received great support."

Tom Chapman

Studied HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Sylvester Ghanney

"I've always been interested in engineering and took the decision to study at Gloucestershire College to gain additional qualifications, alongside my job as a Service Engineer. My lecturers were superb; always willing to help and very supportive to those who want to learn. The equipment is perfect too."

Sylvester Ghanney

HND – Electronic and Electrical Engineering – Gloucester Campus

Our Facilities

Explore Engineering Facilities Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students have full access to state of the art technology including CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) facilities.

Explore Engineering Facilities
Explore Engineering Facilities Electronic Engineering

Electronic Engineering

We have a wide range of engineering laboratories and classrooms, including specialist facilities and resources which are approved by IET (The Institution of Engineering Technologies) accredited degree programmes.

Explore Engineering Facilities

Proud To Be Working With

Ultra Electronics
ALS Mechatronic Logo
Arrk Logo
Dowty Logo
foster + freeman Logo
Group HES Logo
Hydro Logo
MCG electrical contractors Logo
Poeton Logo
Renishaw Logo
Rochling Engineered Plastics Logo
Star Hydraulics Servo Technology Logo
tomcat Logo
UK Atomic Energy Authority Logo
Wessex Water Logo
induction coil solutions Logo

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Next Steps

Find out more

Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.

Open Events & Campus Tours

Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.

Application FAQs

Check out some of our most frequently asked admissions questions or get in touch with the team.