Course Overview
If you’ve always wanted to work with farm machinery like tractors, combines and harvesters, you love getting your hands dirty and going under the bonnet of an engine, this is the course for you. With our 800-acre Lackham campus as your classroom, including extensive workshops and a fleet of industry-leading machinery, your learning will be hands-on, practical and exciting. As an agricultural engineer, you will learn and become confident in how engines and machinery work. You’ll learn the difference between petrol and diesel engines, electrics and electronics, transmissions, hydraulics and much more. You’ll learn how to operate a wide range of farm machinery, from a gator to more general equipment such as fertilisers, spreaders and sprayers. You’ll build confidence in using these machines and understanding how they work. Your time at college will give you a real idea of how the agriculture and land-based engineering industries operate, and you’ll be learning from lecturers with years of industry experience. Lackham is home to working commercial farms, so you’ll be immersed in a realistic industry environment from day one, giving you a head start that will be useful to you whether you want to study further, progress onto an apprenticeship or seek employment.
What will I learn?
You’ll pick up a range of skills and the knowledge necessary to enter the land-based engineering industry, or the mechanised side of agriculture.
At the heart of your learning will be a solid foundation in the function of agricultural vehicle systems. Core units on the course will cover engine technology, transmissions, calculations, land-based machinery operations and workshop practice. You’ll be working with state-of-the-art vehicles and equipment, and the practical nature of your classes will equip you with skills you’ll use throughout your career.
Your lecturers are experienced professionals who can give you a real insight into your future as well as advice on how to get into the industry, and the College’s broad network of connections will help you find the perfect work placement to enrich your studies.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
Most assessments will be carried out during practical sessions. However, some assignment work will need to be completed in your own time.
Assessment is by externally-assessed exams and coursework in the form of written assignments and workbooks. You will also be assessed during practical lessons, and although most assessments will be carried out during practical sessions, some assignment work will need to be completed in your own time.
Your final qualification will be a City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Land-based Engineering.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, including English, maths and science (or equivalent).
Additional Costs and Information
You will need to supply your own protective boots, overalls and writing equipment. You will also be asked to contribute towards some visits to related shows or exhibitions.
