Entry requirements
- There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Why take this course?
NESCol has a key role to play in ensuring the North East has a workforce equipped to embrace the opportunities presented by energy transition, with tens of thousands of jobs being created as Scotland continues its journey to net zero.
The College works closely with industry partners to ensure the skills required in the employment market are reflected in the courses we offer and the knowledge and experience built by our students.
NESCol is delivering 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.
This course focuses on key strands of practical engineering skills suited to a variety of roles in the renewable energy sector.
The SVQ Level 2 PEO qualification forms a mandatory part of an engineering Modern Apprenticeship.
What you will experience
- The production of mechanical assemblies
- General machining
- MIG Welding
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Wiring and testing programmable controller-based systems
- Maintaining mechanical devices and equipment
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will get
SVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations – Renewables (SCQF Level 5)
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, from 10am to 2pm. Register your interest to receive email updates about the event.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Altens
The College runs a bus to our Altens Campus to and from Aberdeen City Centre (excluding holiday periods).
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Energy Transition Skills
This course supports skills in energy transition.
Our expert teams ensure students leave College equipped with the knowledge, technical capability and experience that are vital in an exciting new era.
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 several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you may apply to progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
You would need to undertake further study at HNC/D level to progress to a range of university degrees.
Employment
This course forms the ‘Foundation Phase’ of a Modern Apprenticeship.
On successful completion, you may gain employment in industry through a Modern Apprenticeship programme.
You may also progress to a higher level engineering course and build on theoretical knowledge to gain employment as a skilled craftsperson or operative in the engineering or renewable energy sectors.
Student Stories
Lukasz Szpaderski
Engineering
HNC Electrical Engineering
“NESCol has a strong ethic for providing quality education which worked well with my apprenticeships.”
Read more about Lukasz's story
Logan Skene
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Modern Apprenticeship
“I enjoyed my days in College. The staff were helpful and friendly and it was good to see my classmates each week.”
Read more about Logan's story
Angus Noble
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“The first year went by fast as the class gelled together quickly and became a community that helped each other out, while having a laugh at the same time.”
Read more about Angus's story
Chris Kelly
Engineering
OPITO NC Multi Discipline Engineering (Process)
“In my opinion, NESCol has one of the best reputations in the UK for providing engineering courses with second-to-none instructors.”
Read more about Chris's story
Hannah Gibb
Engineering
Engineering: Wind Turbine Technician (WT) Pathway
“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.”
Read more about Hannah's story
Stephanie Fenty
Engineering
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.”
Read more about Stephanie's story
Kate Kostick
Engineering
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.”
Read more about Kate's story
Darren Ritchie
Engineering
Electrical Maintenance Engineering, SCQF Level 6
“I am more of a hands on sort of guy so the apprenticeship route worked for me.”
Read more about Darren'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. “
Read more about Meghan's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
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 Aug 2025
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Duration 1 year
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Course Code C00129
Fraserburgh Campus
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Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
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Course Code C00127
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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