Entry requirements
There are no particular entry requirements but a commitment to participate in all elements of the course will be expected.
Why take this course?
This course is aimed at pupils who are interested in working in the construction, automotive or engineering industries, and recognises that many will not have the experience or the knowledge of the different trades to be able to make an informed choice about which area they would like to apply to with a view to College courses or to employment. Because of this, the course involves a number of short units across a wide range of disciplines. This allows pupils to try out and have a go at developing their skills, perhaps finding one for which they have a particular interest or aptitude.
The skills developed will allow you to consider undertaking additional training/qualifications when you leave school, or consider suitable employment via a Modern Apprenticeship programme. During the course you will:
- Develop technical knowledge, skills and understanding associated with a range of craft skills in construction and engineering;
- Develop an awareness of health and safety issues in construction and engineering;
- Be encouraged to develop a positive attitude to environmental issues;
- Develop and learn to apply practical, technical and communication skills as a basis for future learning and progression;
- Develop employment skills which can assist with finding a job in the future.
What you will experience
Teaching will take the form of practical, hands–on activities in a workshop environment. Most classes will take place in a workshop at the College’s Fraserburgh or Aberdeen Altens Campus. The courses will vary slightly in the two campuses depending on which crafts/skills are available.
The courses are expected to include seven to ten different disciplines. These may include: Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Construction (e.g. Bricklaying, Carpentry & Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Plumbing).
Throughout the course you will be offered an opportunity to review and identify how your skills are developing. You will be expected to demonstrate:
- An interest in the Construction and Engineering industries
- Good time keeping skills
- A willingness and commitment to learning
- A knowledge of appropriate dress, in particular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Planning and preparation skills
- An ability to establish/maintain good working relationships with other
- Problem solving skills
You will be expected to attend regularly and take an active part in all the activities.
Pupils will be awarded a College Certificate for each successfully completed unit. There is no group award attached to this course.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
You will be required to provide and wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) clothing, including a boiler suit, safety glasses and safety footwear, such as boots or shoes with steel toe caps.
For all construction and engineering courses it is necessary to wear PPE. You are not allowed into the workshops without PPE and will be returned to school and marked absent if you arrive without it.
What you need to know
Whilst you are on the course, you will be required to:
- Always be ready to start your class at the given time
- Demonstrate a commitment to learning and self-study
- Adhere to the School Pupils Code of Commitment
Eating and drinking are not permitted in classrooms. Drinking water is available from water dispensers in the corridors within the College buildings.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
Upon successful completion of this course, you could consider Modern Apprenticeship opportunities or may be able to progress to one of the following full-time courses at North East Scotland College:
Employment
Those who wish to progress directly to employment after completion of this course may find entry-level opportunities are available within associated sectors.
Student Stories
Hannah Gibb
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“I’m driven by feeling like I’m contributing to something important, and renewable energy is a growing and exciting sector to be involved in.”
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Amber Kordakis
Construction
Carpentry & Joinery Apprenticeship
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at College. The facilities are excellent and it’s good to be able to use machinery and equipment that we don’t have access to onsite. The lecturers are great and because they’ve all come from industry they have a huge pool of knowledge. It’s really helpful to be able to talk through the work I’m doing in my day-to-day job with them. “
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Stephanie Fenty
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Shell Engineering Scheme
“It’s a great industry to work in – there’s loads of pathways and opportunities. Engineering is about problem solving and teamwork and seeing how things work.”
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Kate Kostick
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HND Mechanical Engineering
“My time at NESCol, and the success I achieved, wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of the teaching staff. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to fulfil my aspirations of further education, combined with the unique experience and the incredible peers I met along the way.”
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Darren Ritchie
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“I am more of a hands on sort of guy so the apprenticeship route worked for me.”
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Katie Cruickshank
Construction
Carpentry and Joinery (SVQ Level 3), SCQF Level 6
“I like the fact that with an apprenticeship you are learning from those around you. The best thing for me is working with these experienced joiners and picking up hints and tips. In my field everyone has their own way of doing things – but they get the same result.”
Read more about Katie's story
Donna Mitchell
Engineering
Electrical Maintenance Engineering, SCQF Level 6
“The best thing for your career is to have the qualifications to reflect the knowledge you have.”
Read more about Donna's story
Meghan McKay
Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering
“From juggling working full time, being at College and still having quality time with my daughter, it was challenging at times. Despite how hectic it was it made the experience even more worthwhile for me and the whole process was highly rewarding. “
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Ryan Taylor
Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering, SCQF Level 8
“My family were really supportive as it was quite challenging going back to College after a 12 year gap and I was also working shifts. It required a lot of dedication and commitment, but I got there!”
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Joanna Nicholson
Construction
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“I’ve been so surprised by the meditative qualities of working with wood and it’s such an antidote to digital life.”
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Applications
This course is only available to pupils in S4 to S6 across Aberdeen City and Shire, giving pupils the opportunity to experience life as a College student whilst staying on at school.
Please note, applications for schools courses must be submitted by a member of school staff.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen Altens Campus
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Starts 04 Jun 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Day Tuesday and Thursday
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Time 1:45pm - 4:00pm
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Course Code QRNSM-L234A
Fraserburgh Campus
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Starts 07 Jun 2024
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Duration 1 year
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Day Friday
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Time 9:15am - 2:20pm
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Course Code RANSM-L234A
Please note that courses are subject to minimum viability levels. In the event of insufficient numbers of applications, courses may be withdrawn from the programme. Certain courses are arranged with schools working in a consortium arrangement – in such cases, pupils from consortium schools will be given priority in the allocation of places.
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