A+ Programme National Extended Certificate in Engineering

Designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles, this course covers a wide range of topics. Through hands-on projects and theoretical learning, students develop practical skills in design, analysis, and problem-solving. Whether aspiring to pursue further education or enter the workforce, studying this program equips students with the knowledge and expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving field of engineering.

You will study a 3-4 A Level equivalent programme comprising the Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering, a minimum of 2 science or maths based A Levels and either an Extended Project Qualification or a third A Level choice.

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering is equivalent to one A Level and is made up of 4 units designed to give you a broad basis of study in Engineering, units include:

• Engineering Principles
• Health and Safety in Engineering
• Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
• Computer Aided Design in Engineering

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including maths and English Language, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices. This course forms part of a challenging academic engineering pathway, and must be studied alongside science/maths A Levels, therefore achievement of grade 6+ in sciences and maths is essential.

Your BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering qualification takes a unit-by-unit approach and offers a combination of assessment styles. 67% of the qualification consists of externally marked assessments, the remaining assessments are set and marked internally. All units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, Near Pass and Unclassified.

If you wish to find out more about this course, please contact Ash Griffiths, Group Head of Science and Maths, by emailing: ashley.griffiths@nscg.ac.uk

On completion of this course you will gain a nationally recognised qualification accepted as an entry requirement to higher apprenticeships or higher education.

Previous Engineering students have secured higher apprenticeships with employers such as Hitachi Energy, Siemens and Capula, or progressed to an engineering-based degree course at university.

Course options are vast and varied, with many prestigious institutions offering a range of course options to prepare you for a career in Engineering. Previous students have progressed to the likes of the University of Liverpool, University of Birmingham, University of Exeter, University of Bristol and Swansea University to study a range of courses including, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. 

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance