Attendance/Duration
Full-time, one yearOverview
Scotland has a world-renowned reputation for engineering, and is at the cutting-edge of engineering developments. Engineers design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. They have an impact on every aspect of modern living and enjoy exciting career opportunities in lots of different sectors, including space, aviation, transport, medicine, technology, food, fashion and construction.
If you've got a logical and inquisitive mind, enjoy problem solving and are curious to know how things work, you've got it in you to make a great engineer!
Right now, qualified engineers are in extremely high demand, with thousands of new engineers needed every year in Scotland alone. Ayrshire College is an ideal choice for studying engineering:
- We have STEM Assured Status which means we have been recognised for the quality of our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses.
- We've invested in our equipment, so you'll be learning using the latest industry standard technology.
- We won Training Partner of the Year at the prestigious SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) Skills Awards in 2017.
- Plus, we're the first and only college in Scotland to be approved by The Welding Institute (TWI).
- We've also got an excellent record of employment for our engineering students.
If you're considering a career in engineering, and in particular welding, then this course is a great place to start.
Entry Requirements
You should have three National 4 qualifications including National 4 Maths or National 4 Application of Maths (preferably National 4 Maths), English and ideally an engineering subject. If you want to take engineering further, you will need to be working towards a National 5 Maths (or National 5 Application of Maths maybe accepted for some disciplines). National 5 Physics is helpful too. You will be required to complete an aptitude test at interview.
Course Content
Dive into a dynamic blend of practical work and theory, gaining the skills and knowledge for further study or employment. You may explore:
- Basic maths and IT application: in an engineering context.
- Develop skills in welding processes like MMA, MIG, MAG, and TIG.
- Explore fabrication techniques, understanding metal structures and the machinery used.
- Understand thermal cutting processes, from oxy-fuel to plasma and laser methods.
- Interpret drawings, instructions, and specifications to create operational drawings and templates.
- Enhance graphical engineering communication through 2D assembly drawings.
- Build essential transferable skills like communication, numeracy, ICT, teamwork and problem solving.
Next Steps and Career Opportunities
Completing this course opens doors to exciting possibilities. You may have the opportunity to:
- Progress to an HNC Engineering Practice (Fabrication) or a relevant HNC course.
Kickstart your career with a Modern Apprenticeship in fabrication and welding. Take the first step towards a promising engineering career.