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Engineering & The Built Environment

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Qualified and highly skilled technicians are increasingly in demand in this exciting and rewarding industry. Our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre (HAMEC) opened in March 2017, and is focused on the key engineering areas of advanced manufacturing engineering. If you’re looking for real-life experience and the opportunity to progress to work or further study then join the Engineering team. 

WHAT WILL I DO?

Students can train for the advanced manufacturing sector. You will learn how things work and how to keep them working, using diagnostics and fault finding procedures, giving you a broad understanding of the huge possibilities within the engineering industry. Our strong links with employers such as BTL Precision, Gratnells and London Stansted Airport means students will benefit from their vast experience.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?

You can either progress onto further or higher education or apply for an Apprenticeship in the advanced manufacturing or industry. HAMEC offers a Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering and a Higher National Certificate/Diploma, both based at our Harlow campus.

Aeronautical Engineering - Higher National Certificate

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill, as either a Higher Apprenticeship or standalone HNC. 
Or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

Aeronautical Engineering - Higher National Diploma

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

Automation and Controls Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Automation and Controls engineering technicians work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with various stakeholders such as design and production teams, and coordinating with both internal and external customers. They monitor automation systems either on-site or remotely, ensuring functionality by managing equipment and software. In large companies, they typically report to an engineering manager, while in smaller businesses they may have more autonomy. Their responsibilities include health, safety, and environmental protection. The related course provides essential engineering skills, focusing on problem-solving and mathematical concepts, and prepares students for further study or industry roles such as Automation and Controls Engineer

Construction Management - Higher National Certificate

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill, as either a Higher Apprenticeship or standalone HNC. 
Or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

Construction Management - Higher National Diploma

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

Engineering for England - Higher National Certificate

If you are already working in the engineering industry and want to upskill, as either a Higher Apprenticeship or standalone HNC. 
Or if you want to progress to university top-up eventually to a full degree.

Find out more form the Pearson student guide:
https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/schools/campaigns/btec-higher-nationals.html

Engineering Level 3 (General)

This course provides you with a theoretical grounding in engineering and will give you a broad understanding of the huge possibilities within the engineering industry. It allows you to move on to higher education or to an advanced apprenticeship where you can further specialise.

Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

Engineering Manufacturing Technicians work in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and marine, providing specialist technical support to engineers to develop, produce, or test products, processes, and procedures efficiently. They gather and analyse data, solve problems, and update technical documentation related to quality, reliability, production, and costing. These technicians collaborate with managers, production teams, and external stakeholders like customers and regulatory bodies, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and delivery standards. They split their time between office and manufacturing environments, have autonomy in decision-making, and contribute to continuous improvements in business processes and methods.

Engineering Operations (Pre-apprenticeship) Level 2

This course is a practical based Engineering coursed designed to support learners from full time education to progress into an apprenticeship (what we call a pre-apprenticeship). It can also be used to help learners progress from Level 2 to Level 3. We cover a broad range of Engineering (machining, mechanical, electrical) to help learners find what they enjoy doing and then look to help them progress into their future doing what they enjoy!

Throughout the course there will be large amounts of practical work included in the relevant topics e.g. programming CNC machines, working with hand tools, manual machining on lathes and mills, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and testing, electronic circuit building. Various Engineering and Manufacturing companies will be visited in the local area and further trips to Engineering Conferences.

Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Lead maintenance engineering technicians typically perform a multi-disciplinary role, managing or leading other technicians. They may specialise in areas such as mechanical, electronic, or electrical engineering. Employers range from small to large businesses that provide or require maintenance support, including major asset owners, operators, supply chain entities, contractors, and sub-contractors. Typical workplaces encompass both private and public sector manufacturing factories. The course covers the fundamental engineering concepts and skills required of a higher technician while also providing a solid foundation for further study at degree level. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills, and students should expect the delivery to reflect this, along with associated mathematical concepts.

Machining Technician Apprenticeship

This occupation is part of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector, which includes Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime Defence, Nuclear, and Construction industries. Machining Technicians produce complex, precision-machined products for machinery, such as aeroplanes and vehicles, as well as bespoke components for domestic appliances and medical equipment. They operate various machines, including centre lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and CNC machine tools.

The main purpose of this role is to machine components from metals or specialist materials using both conventional and CNC tools. Technicians plan their activities, set up and adjust machine settings, and create and validate CNC programs. They also inspect components, report issues, and support continuous improvement, typically in a manufacturing environment.

Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

This role is found across industries such as aerospace, automotive, defence, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, and advanced manufacturing, where automated systems blend mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid power technologies.

The primary goal is to maintain equipment and ensure optimal performance to meet safety, quality, and cost targets. Multi-skilled mechatronics maintenance technicians handle tasks such as installation, testing, fault diagnosis, and planned maintenance of complex automated machinery. They operate across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and control systems, while following safety standards. Technicians also document and communicate their work and may work shifts, at height, in confined spaces, or with hazardous equipment.

T Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

This course is suitable for anyone wanting a career in construction, specifically in surveying and design, civil engineering, building services design, or hazardous materials surveying.

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Construction T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the construction industry and gives you:

  • A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the construction industry.
  • The opportunity to solve real life problems in the construction industry.
  • Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the construction industry on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.
  • Specialist knowledge and skills of design for construction and the built environment.

Funding Your Course

If you're aged 19 or over and you want to study A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.