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Vocational & T Level

Engineering & Manufacturing T Level Foundation (Level 2)

Subject Area
Engineering
Start Date
September 2026
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 year
Level
Level 2

This T Level Foundation programme has been specifically designed for students who wish to progress onto a Level 3 T Level in Engineering & Manufacturing in the future and have come close to the entry criteria for the T Level with GCSE grade 4/5 in Maths on the Foundation Paper.

The purpose of this programme is to develop your engineering and design knowledge and skills, not only to prepare you for Level 3 study, but also to introduce you to a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors. The course will balance the development of engineering maths and science skills with practical workshop skills, computer aided design & manufacture as well as developing engineering problem solving skills. You will also experience 30+ hours of employer engagement as you visit sites and meet a range of regional employers. We also encourage work placement. 

Entry requirements

You will have achieved 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, specifically achieving minimum grade 4 in Maths and Sciences, and have been studying Foundation Maths.

What will I study?

The course is delivered through a mixture of academic study, project work and practical skills development in line with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to make a smooth transition to the Level 3 T Level the following year. Sessions cover:

  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science (Mechanical & Electrical/Electronic)
  • Qualification: EAL Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (6 units) - developing practical skills, health & safety, effective communication, teamworking and organisational skills.
  • Employer Engagment: visits and conferences
  • Design Project: where you will design and manufacture a solution to an engineering problem
  • Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing skills
  • GCSE English resit if a grade 4 or above has not been achieved

We also aim to develop your engineering mindset by developing wider skills such as problem-solving, adaption, visualising, improving and systems thinking. This will help you apply your knowledge and skills for different purposes and in different roles.
 

Method of delivery

Your lessons will be timetabled across four days per week. These lessons will take place in engineering classrooms, Computer Aided Design/Manufacture (CAD/CAM) suite, and engineering workshops. We will deliver a range of theory and practical lessons, using a range of teaching, learning and assessment techniques to support you in developing the skills and knowledge ready for your transition to the T Level in Engineering the following year.

How will I be assessed?

  • There will be a range of internal examinations to test knowledge and understanding for Engineering Maths & Science, during and at the end of the year.
  • You will have to complete a range of practical assessment activities and knowledge questions to achieve an NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations.
  • You will complete an Engineering Project, which includes research, design, manufacture, evaluation and presentation.
  • Completion of a Work Placement (minimum 30 hours).

Good course combinations

This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes. You can only study GCSE English alongside if you have not yet achieved your grade 4.

Your next steps

This programme is designed to prepare you for transition to the T Level Engineering. However it will also support students on to other progression routes such as the BTEC Advanced Manufacturing Engineering or the practical Level 3 Diploma in Engineering & Technology. You could also move into employment or an apprenticeship.

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