Ashford College - Engineering
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Engineering

Pathways

Pathways are made up of courses focused on future careers or further education opportunities

If you were always the person that liked to take things apart to see how they worked, a career in engineering could be for you. Engineers are practical, creative, problem solvers who are often good in maths and science.

From Aerospace to Production, from Agriculture to Refrigeration, from Civil to Railway, from Electronic to Mechanical; our courses can give you the underpinning knowledge to progress to apprenticeships, training and Higher Education in these Engineering fields.

We offer a wide range of courses on our Engineering pathway, including Part Time computer design and manufacturing courses, our Higher Education HNC's, (which are equivalent to the first year at University) and the T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. T Levels are 20% work placement based, meaning you learn the skills needed for the industry on the job and alongside your course! Learn more about T Levels here.

Each course can have you learning about a wide number of areas and skillsets, such as mechanical and electrical maintenance, maths and science in engineering, and project planning as just a few examples. Supported work experience can also be provided based on your course that you are doing. 

Our lecturers are very experienced and have been in the industry for a long time, meaning they will be able to pass on to you the skills and methods that you really need to make an impact in this industry.

Student Progression

With our Engineering courses at Ashford College, you can progress onto many options, including careers in...

  • Mechanical engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Electrical engineer
  • Electronics engineer
  • Biomedical engineer
  • Technical sales engineer
  • Aeronautical engineer
  • Automotive engineer

This video below created by the EKC Group, who we are proud to be a part of, can you give a better idea of progression in terms of Engineering, whether it be career based on going onto University, etc.. 

 

At Ashford College, our facilities include workshops which have the tools and machinery used by professionals, based over at our Wotton Road site, as well as engineering labs based at Elwick Road, allowing students to do practical experiments and learn theory in engaging classrooms.

Phase 2 of Ashford College's build on Elwick Road is allowing us to create an ‘Engineering Hub’ to the right of the current building. The Hub will include cutting edge equipment, workshops, classrooms, and computer lab spaces for the teaching of specialist, technical qualifications in Business, Engineering, Computing and other Digital Technologies.

We have recently invested as a college in machines from XYZ Machines which will help students learn vital skills. It is an exciting time to join the college, and an even more exciting time to join Engineering!

 

On our Engineering pathway, we have worked with lots of external partners over the years so that our students can see what happens in this industry in great detail. This also allows our students to ask questions and be given great advice by those with years of experience. 

Companies we have worked with/have come in to talk to students include...

  • Kurt J Lesker
  • Universal Filling Machine Company
  • EDF Energy
  • and many more!

We are improving our relationship with these partners significantly with our T Level course in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control. Students will take part in a 45 day work placement with a local employer, really giving them the experience they need to break into the industry. Learn more about T Levels in general here.

 

Career Prospects

Example: Engineering technicians

 Annual pay
£24,440 - £58,760
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.

Across the UK the workforce is projected to expand by 15% over the period to 2027, adding 12,870 jobs. In the same period, 49% of the workforce is projected to retire, creating 41,904 job openings.

Role description

Engineering technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist engineers with the design, development, operation, installation and maintenance of engineering systems and constructions.

Data powered by LMI for All

Are you?

16-18

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements allow any student to apply enrol and progress in their studies with us to achieve their full potential.

You will apply for your chosen pathway and at the interview you can discuss what entry criteria you need for each level.

Once you have your GCSEs we can ensure you are enrolled on the best level for you to progress and succeed at College.

Please see our Group entry requirements

What's next?

Step 1 - Apply

Once you apply, you will have an interview to discuss your chosen pathway

Step 2 - Interview

We will contact you with appropriate options for conducting your interview, either online or in person.

At your interview, we will discuss the entry requirements for each level and course. It is also your opportunity to make sure that the pathway meets your goals and ambitions.

Courses at Ashford College

If you know exactly which course and level you need to apply for, or want more information, please select from the options below:

Need more help?

Our advice and guidance team can be contacted to help you understand your next steps at College.

Courses at Ashford College

If you know exactly which course and level you need to apply for, or want more information, please select from the options below:

Why people love Engineering

New equipment - SDF Fund

New equipment - SDF Fund

As part of the EKC Group's work to decarbonise Engineering, Ashford College has used some of the Government's SDF Fund to buy new machines for Engineering students. These include CNC Machines and will help our T Level students learn skills vital for industry in Phase 2's Engineering Hub. 

Great Opportunities for Students

Great Opportunities for Students

Construction Testing Solutions, a leading provider of construction testing, inspection and compliance services came into college to talk about what they do. One of our HNC students Harriet joined us to talk about her work in the company which she joined after studying her Level 3 courses. This was a great success story for our students. 

Student Recognition

Student Recognition

At our Student Awards in June, two Engineering students were recognised for their hard work. Harrison was awarded our Pathway Champion award for how well he has represented the college this year, and HNC student Harriet was awarded the Principal's Award for her determination and drive when it comes to her success. 

Contact us

We'd love to hear from you

Elwick Road
Ashford
Kent
TN23 1NN

Telephone:
01233 743100