Engineering

Your future starts here.

Courses

In such a diverse sector, there are unlimited possibilities for where an engineering career could take you. Opportunities include working in energy, transport, aerospace, food and drink, manufacturing, construction and many more.

Our engineering courses help you build on your problem solving and technical skills so you’re ready to tackle practical challenges in the real world.

View all full-time engineering courses

 

Full-time course spotlight

 

As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time and distance learning in engineering where you can study at a location near you or choose to study online.

View all part-time engineering courses

View all distance learning engineering courses

100%

Of NESCol engineering students achieving SCQF Level 7 moved to work or further study¹

Owen Macintosh

graphic of yellow 3D quotation marks

I’m glad I made the decision to come back to NESCol and achieve my HNC. The lecturers are great and if you’re keen to learn then they absolutely go out of their way to help you achieve.”

Owen Macintosh

Owen studied SVQ Performing Engineering Operations at NESCol before working in the agricultural sector for a number of years. He then returned to education and completed HNC Engineering Practice, winning the HNC Engineering Practice Award which recognises the achievement of an individual who has shown determination and gone above and beyond in the course of their studies.

Energy transition skills

Engineers are vital for the energy transition, and to achieve Scotland’s target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2045.

The North East has been at the heart of energy industry for over 50 years. The shift towards renewable energy is creating thousands of new roles in Aberdeen and across Scotland.

We work closely with industry partners to ensure our courses provide you with the skillset to succeed in the evolving energy sector.

NESCol delivers learning and training in a number of keys areas. These include:

  • Onshore and offshore wind
  • Photovoltaics
  • Hydrogen power
  • Energy saving and low carbon construction technology
  • Electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance

View courses supporting skills in energy transition

 

58,000

Extra low carbon energy production roles in Scotland by 2050²

Career opportunities

Engineering jobs are available in many industries including: aerospace, construction, energy (including renewable energy and the energy transition), entertainment, environmental protection, fashion, food and drink production, manufacturing, medicine, sports, technology and transport.

25%

of people employed in engineering in Scotland are based in the North East³

Where you can study

At Fraserburgh and Altens campuses our students learn in surroundings that replicate the world of work — from automotive workshops, complete with spray booths, to professional welding facilities and much more. A major focus is on developing the College’s resources dedicated to energy transition, with exciting investment plans.

Study engineering in Aberdeen

  • 500+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 2 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

Our Aberdeen Altens Campus houses many of the engineering, construction and automotive courses on offer.

More on Aberdeen Altens Campus

Study engineering in Fraserburgh

  • 950+ students
  • Fitness Suite
  • 2 Cafés
  • Quiet & social areas

The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.

More on Fraserburgh Campus

Study part-time

Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.

View all part-time engineering courses

What our students think

In autumn 2023, more than 5,000 full-time students responded to our First Impressions Survey (88% of those eligible) and we are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.

98% Of full-time students believe they are treated fairly
"NESCol is a fair, kind, welcoming environment, with friendly and supportive staff. I love coming here."
97% Of full-time students are satisfied with their course
"NESCol helped me gain my confidence again after a huge gap in my studies."
96% Of full-time students enjoyed attending College

Student stories

Don’t take our word for it!

Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol

Hannah Gibb

Hannah (24) has always strived for a rewarding career where she can make a real impact. She is part of the first ever ECITB Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship group that…

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Stephanie Fenty

When Stephanie Fenty was in her final year at school she decided on her career path after taking part in a maths based challenge. She was selected to represent Turriff…

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Ross Davidson

Ross has always been practically minded since a child so it wasn’t a surprise to him that he opted for a career in engineering. He said: “My dad was always…

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Liam Burnett

When Liam left school he thought his career would lie in IT and he enrolled in a course in Computing at NESCol. Liam said: “Early into the course I just…

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Lauren Moroney

Lauren Moroney never dreamed she would have a career in construction. Lauren explains: “If you’d have told me when I was 15 that I would work in this industry I…

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Tain Cooper

Tain works as a Maintenance Technician for Macduff Shellfish in Mintlaw. He opted for the electrical route with his apprenticeship qualifications: Performing Engineering Operations (PEO), National Certificate (NC) and Higher…

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Get in touch

Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.

Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.

¹ Source: Scottish Funding Council
² Source: Scottish Government
³ Source: Skills Development Scotland