Skip to the main content
Go to the search page

Key details

Course areas
Defence and Military PathwayEngineering
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Highfields Jesse Boot Avenue, Nottingham, NG7 2RU
Course code
Parent course code:C059293 Child course code: Q059294
Apply now

Course introduction

This qualification is perfect if you would like to gain core knowledge and understanding of a range of occupational roles from across the engineering and manufacturing sector.

It has been specifically designed to provide you with the core knowledge and behaviours required for a range of Manufacturing and Engineering occupational roles or to offer progression into a higher level of study or an Apprenticeship.

The course will provide you with knowledge and understanding of a blend of skills, knowledge and occupational behaviours required across a range of engineering operations. It covers the core knowledge and understanding that are required by an engineering operative involved in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector.

You can expect a very practical course which gives you the knowledge and skills to progress within the Engineering sector. You will be exposed to Engineering techniques and practical skills such as:

  • Welding and fabrication
  • Machining
  • Maintenance techniques
  • Hand fitting techniques
  • Electronics
  • Automation and robotics

Opt in to our new Defence and Military Pathway to bolster your learning with sector-specific training and experience

This course area/course is eligible for Nottingham College’s exciting new Defence and Military Pathway, launching September 2026. By choosing this option at the point of application, you’ll complement your core qualification with a programme designed to prepare you for a future career in the UK Defence sector. Expect hands-on experiences such as industry days, taster sessions with the armed forces, physical training, and team-building activities – all aimed at developing the technical skills and personal qualities employers in the Defence sector value most. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot.

Careers include: 

  • Soldier / Marine
  • Police / Intelligence
  • Logistics
  • Aviation Controller / Technician
  • Civil Servant
  • Fire fighter / Emergency services 
Learn more
An engineering machine

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

Read more

Course information

1 year

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Engineering

You must have a GCSE Grade 4 in either GCSE English or Maths.

Assessment methods within this qualification include an on-screen multiple-choice examination and Centre marked practical/theory assessments for the mandatory unit and on-screen multiple-choice examinations and/or Centre marked practical/theory assessments for all other optional units.

Assessment methods have been designed to assess the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners for all units.

If you gain your GCSEs in both English and Maths, you can progress into Level 3/T-Level in Engineering. If you need to resit either Maths or English GCSE, you can continue onto Level 2 Year 2 to top up to the Diploma in Engineering Operations.

You could also progress onto a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship in Engineering depending on their GCSE results

Highfields campus tour with student Rosario
Meet Sherpan and learn how the engineering facilities at Highfields are helping his career goals
How Highfields campus is keeping our students environment sustainable and green

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Engineering Professionals

Potential Earnings

£64,420.04

Average Earnings

£42,613.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Health, Social and Child Care Services

People in these occupations provide care and support services for children, healthcare patients, and the elderly, and administrate social programmes.

Public Services

People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Engineering

People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

Production

People in these occupations work with wood, metal, and other materials, make food and beverages, and assemble products in a manufacturing setting.

Building and Construction

People in these occupations manage building projects, inspect structures, and carry out various construction trades: masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, etc.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

Digital Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity) (Level 2) - Full-time

Engineering (Pathways include Welding or Mechanical Manufacturing) (City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma) - Full-time

Uniformed Protective Services (Level 3) - Full-time