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Key details

Course areas
EngineeringT Levels
Student type
16 - 18 courses
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Highfields Jesse Boot Avenue, Nottingham, NG7 2RU
Course code
Parent course code:C049673 Child course code: Q049674
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Course introduction

This course is perfect if you would like a career in mechanical engineering. It combines workshop- and classroom-based studies with at least nine weeks if industry experience with an employer.

A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification that gives you a new choice to consider after GCSEs and are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. It is an examination-based qualification with a placement element.

The core purpose of this course is engineering design, CAD and development work and you will learn in a more analytical and design-focused style.

You will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

  • Working within the Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors – an understanding of how materials, conditions and context influence design processes and products
  • Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing – a knowledge and understanding of mathematics including standard matrices and determinants and standard trigonometry
  • Materials and their properties – understanding material processing techniques and their effects on materials and material quality, the condition of materials, how these are managed, and materials testing methods and techniques
  • Business, commercial and financial awareness - basic commercial principles including commercial priorities and markets, customers/clients/partners and resource allocation

T Level courses will feature a technical qualification, which will include:

  • Year 1 - Core
    • Core theory, concepts and skills for engineering centred on design, automation and manufacturing in electrical and mechanical engineering
  • Year 2 – Specialist pathway
    • Design and Development: Mechanical Engineering

Every T Level will include an industry placement with an employer, focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the occupation. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer. Employers can offer industry placements as a block, day release or a mix of these, and can discuss sharing part of the placement with another employer if necessary.

An engineering machine

You will undertake an extended work placement of over 315+ hours while you are studying.

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Course information

2 years

T Level Technical Qualification in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

You need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths at grade 5.

This course is for students aged 16-18 only.

You will complete a range of externally-assessed projects including role plays, written exams and employer-set projects alongside completing 315 hours of relevant industry experience.

This course allows for progression to the appropriate Level 4, 5 or 6 Engineering qualification.

Alternatively, and with employment in a qualifying role, progression to a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in the appropriate specialist pathway could be possible.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Mechanical Engineers

Potential Earnings

£68,166.49

Average Earnings

£43,795.85

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

Pathways

Engineering

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

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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.

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