About the course

Within T Level Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, you can specialise in: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Control and Instrumentation Engineering.

This qualification is aimed at learners preparing for technical and professional roles within Engineering Sector to include  Electrical engineering discipline e.g. Mechatronics maintenance engineer, Control engineer, Power engineer, electronic and electrical engineer, robotics and telecommunications. Mechanical engineering discipline e.g. Mechatronics maintenance engineer, Mechanical engineer, Aeronautical engineer, Robotics engineer, Fluid Dynamics engineer, Nuclear Engineer. 

T Levels will help learners to: Develop practical skills, knowledge and behaviours that show they are occupationally competent and can apply theory in real workplace settings. Combine classroom learning (80%) with on-the-job employment experience (20%). Pursue a high-quality technical route into skilled employment, further study or higher/degree apprenticeships.

The qualification is made up of core knowledge, understanding and concepts, specialist content covering occupational or industry-specific skills and an industry placement with an employer which will last a minimum of 45 days.

Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including: Working within the Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors; An understanding of how materials, conditions and context influence design processes and products; Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing; Materials and their properties; Understanding material processing techniques and their effects on materials and material quality, the condition of materials, how these are managed; Materials testing methods and techniques; Business, commercial and financial awareness.

Start Date/s

02/09/2026

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English and Mathematics or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Modules

Alongside developing practical skills such as welding, fabrication, mechanical applications, and machining, learners also gain a broad foundation of theoretical knowledge and professional understanding that underpins their engineering practice. They explore the engineering and manufacturing sectors, examining their past, present, and future, and learn how ideas are communicated through engineering representations. Core technical competence is strengthened through the study of essential mathematics and science, materials and their properties, mechanical principles, electrical and electronic principles, mechatronics, and control systems. Learners also cover the wider aspects of engineering, including quality management, health and safety, stock and asset management, and continuous improvement. In addition, they develop awareness of business, commercial, and financial contexts, alongside professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours expected within the industry. Finally, they build skills in project and programme management, preparing them to operate effectively in modern, competitive engineering and manufacturing environments. 

Assessment

Students will sit an externally-set exams at the end of each academic year to test their understanding of the subject. They will also undertake a skill-assessment to demonstrate their competency skills.

Whilst on work placement, they will be set a project by the employer that they must successfully complete to demonstrate their overall breadth of learning.  Towards the end of the first year on programme, the student will select their specialism for the second as the Occupational Specialism  from one of the following:

1. Mechanical Engineering

2. Electrical and Electronic Engineering

3. Control and Instrumentational Engineering

Students who complete their T Level will receive an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. They will get a nationally recognised certificate which will show their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved showing a separate grade for the core component, occupational specialism,  and that they have met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications.  The industry placement will also be included.   

Careers & Progression

Students can also use this T Level to progress to a related higher-level apprenticeship or course of study at Degree level in University in the Electrical Engineering and Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering Sectors.

Additional Details