Engineering

Bringing engineering to life.

Courses

Help shape the world with your engineering skills.

There are unlimited possibilities for where an engineering career could take you – from transport and manufacturing to technology and food and drink.

Engineers are also vital for the energy transition, and NESCol works with industry partners to ensure you’re equipped with the skill set to succeed in the shift to net zero.

Our courses, taught by experienced staff, help you build technical and problem-solving skills. With pathways to university and access to the new Energy Transition Skills Hub, you’ll be well-equipped for this evolving sector.

View all full-time engineering courses

 

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

21%

of workers in Aberdeen City are employed in energy¹

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

28,200

people employed in engineering in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire²

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.

46,100

people employed in the energy sector in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire³

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

More than 4,000 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2024-2025 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.

95% would recommend NESCol to others
"A very supportive and welcoming community of staff from all departments and students."
96% feel safe and secure at College
"Good variety of skills taught across the curriculum."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace
"I enjoyed my time at College and feel it will open more opportunities for me."

Student stories

Don’t take our word for it!

Find out what our students think about studying at NESCol

Krystian Pezik

HNC Mechanical Engineering

After moving from Poland, Krystian worked full-time before deciding to study engineering. He completed a range of courses at Fraserburgh Campus, and is now studying for his HND in Mechanical Engineering.

Marius Visniakovas

HNC Electrical Engineering

Adult returner Marius worked his way through electrical engineering courses at NESCol. After completing his HNC, he undertook a Modern Apprenticeship and now enjoys working in the subsea industry.

Eva Rosie

Shell Engineering Scheme

Eva left school at the end of fifth year and joined the Shell Engineering Scheme at Fraserburgh Campus. She has since secured an instrumentation apprenticeship at the Shell gas plant in Peterhead.

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: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
² Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
³ Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS)