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T Level Engineering and Manufacturing - Mechanical Engineering
T Level Engineering and Manufacturing - Mechanical Engineering
2026/27
Course Overview
Course Code
P00036
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
08:00 am
End time
20:30 pm
Campus
Abbey Park CampusLevel
Level 3
We have closed applications for September 2026 starts for this course. If you make an application you will be placed on a reserve list. Please take a look at other courses or contact our careers team for independent advice and guidance.
Engineered to move you through the essential practical and theoretical skills of mechanics and into the engineering industry, this course is your training ground for a successful career on whatever path you choose. Our T-Level Engineering and Manufacturing - Mechanical Engineering programme has been designed by employers and professional bodies in collaboration with education experts, it gives you the skills the next generation’s workforce needs.
For 80% of your T level, you work alongside classmates in engaging blended-learning sessions and in purpose-built workshops. You get an in-depth understanding of how the engineering industry works, studying manufacturing techniques, the principles of engineering design and manufacture, and exploring the theories and principles of mechanical engineering.
For the remaining 20% of your T level, you step out into an industry placement to put all that learning and theory into practice in a real-world experience – giving you a glimpse at the excitement of the career ahead of you.
If you are not quite ready for a T level then a transition programme could be for you. This will give you the chance to improve your maths and English (and any other subjects) to move on to a T level the following year. For more information about transition courses, please visit our T levels course page.
You will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include taking part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.
This course is usually very popular. Where courses are oversubscribed we will offer places based on the date applications are received and may close applications early. We recommend applying using our website as soon as possible, particularly for oversubscribed courses.
A year of learning, your first year is a thrilling introduction into the fascinating world of engineering. You move from the ground up, understanding its past, present and future and get an idea of what it means to work in engineering and manufacturing.
Notepad and pencil at the ready, you learn about engineering representations and all the essential mathematics and science you’ll need every day of your working life.
With all those fundamentals in place, you dive into the bits that will truly set you on your way to being a manufacturing engineer:
1. materials and their properties
2. mechanical principles
3. electrical and electronic principles
4. mechatronics
5. engineering and manufacturing control systems
As a course specifically created to build the industry’s future, the Engineering Manufacturing T level - mechanical engineering specialism also walks you through key bits of business, so you can step into any team smoothly and with confidence. Including:
1. project and programme management
2. quality management
3. stock and asset management
4. business, commercial and financial awareness
5. health and safety principles and coverage
6. professional responsibilities, attitudes and behaviours
7. continuous improvement
Here we go Time for your design and development (mechanical engineering) specialism to really kick in. This year follows six very clear performance outcomes:
Performance outcome 1: Mechanical engineering knowledge criteria
Performance outcome 2: Analyse and interpret engineering and manufacturing requirements, systems, processes, technical drawings and specifications
Performance outcome 3: Evaluate systems, designs, components and processes, managing and integrating design information, proposals and specifications to develop and improve mechanical engineering and manufacturing proposals and solutions
Performance outcome 4: Propose and design mechanical engineering and manufacturing systems, products, components, processes and solutions, considering requirements, constraints and context
Performance outcome 5: Collaborate to help manage, develop, test and quality assure mechanical engineering and manufacturing design information, systems, processes and outcomes
Performance outcome 6: Communicate proposals, design information and solutions, producing, recording and explaining engineering and manufacturing representations, systems, processes, outcomes, specifications and technical drawings
This year, you also do your industry placement in a position with a firm that really appeals to you and gives you the experience that will most benefit you and your future.
Direct entry requires a GCSE grade 5 in maths, together with 3 further GCSEs at grade 4 including English and science.
If you were previously studying at the college, you will need to have attained a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering, plus GCSE English grade 4 and Maths at grade 5.
Students progressing onto this course need to have successfully completed a level 2 Diploma in Engineering, as well as having GCSE English grade 4 and maths at grade 5.
Attending our mandatory Welcome Event is a required part of the application process.
You need to be between 16 and 18 on 31 August of the year you start the course.
- Material fee: £150
- Annual Tuition fee: £0
You are expected to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn during all practical sessions. During the Induction period, you will be allocated a locker to store your PPE. Basic requirements are steel toe cap safety boots, and plain navy or black overalls (boiler suit style only). You can purchase your PPE from wherever you wish, however during enrolment you will be given details of some local companies who supply many of our students. The cost of the required PPE would be expected to cost between £30 and £45.
You will require some basic stationary (scientific calculator, pens, pencils, ruler, ring binder, page dividers). You will be given a course Equipment List during enrolment, detailing specifics.
Equivalent to three A levels, this T level sets you up for a career in electrical and electronic design and development in the engineering industry, giving you a strong start in a highly sought-after career.
You could step into an electrical or electronics design engineer position or go for systems development, measurement and testing – anything involving electrical and electronic systems is open to you from here.
It also arms you with the knowledge you need to move into a higher level apprenticeship or a course of study in Higher Education, such as Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Degree level courses
Have a chat with our independent careers advisors to work out your next step. They have all the information, advice and guidance you need to spark up your career.
Apply online via the college website, or if your school uses the Positive Steps @16 (PS16) application system please apply through this and speak to your careers advisor if you are unsure. You will need details of your qualifications, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application. Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be sent a conditional offer and be invited to a welcome event at the College to meet your tutors, learn more about your chosen course of study and tour the facilities. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the course offered to you.
Course Overview
Course Code
P00036
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
08:00 am
End time
20:30 pm
Campus
Abbey Park CampusLevel
Level 3