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.
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
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
Jorja Ross
Construction
Construction Crafts
“I’m a practical person and after doing the construction course while I was still at school, I knew I wanted to get started in the industry. I’m enjoying learning and the lecturers are great, they’re helpful, friendly, and really encourage me. “
Read more about Jorja's story
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
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. “
Read more about Amber'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
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.
Currently unavailable
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