Engineering
Your future starts here.
Courses
In such a diverse sector, there are unlimited possibilities for where an engineering career could take you. Opportunities include working in energy, transport, aerospace, food and drink, manufacturing, construction and many more.
Our engineering courses help you build on your problem solving and technical skills so you’re ready to tackle practical challenges in the real world.
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.
100%
Of NESCol engineering students achieving SCQF Level 7 moved to work or further study¹
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
58,000
Extra low carbon energy production roles in Scotland by 2050²
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.
25%
of people employed in engineering in Scotland are based in the North East³
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.
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.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
What our students think
In autumn 2023, more than 5,000 full-time students responded to our First Impressions Survey (88% of those eligible) and we are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Hannah Gibb
Hannah (24) has always strived for a rewarding career where she can make a real impact. She is part of the first ever ECITB Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship group that…
Read MoreStephanie Fenty
When Stephanie Fenty was in her final year at school she decided on her career path after taking part in a maths based challenge. She was selected to represent Turriff…
Read MoreRoss Davidson
Ross has always been practically minded since a child so it wasn’t a surprise to him that he opted for a career in engineering. He said: “My dad was always…
Read MoreLiam Burnett
When Liam left school he thought his career would lie in IT and he enrolled in a course in Computing at NESCol. Liam said: “Early into the course I just…
Read MoreLauren Moroney
Lauren Moroney never dreamed she would have a career in construction. Lauren explains: “If you’d have told me when I was 15 that I would work in this industry I…
Read MoreTain Cooper
Tain works as a Maintenance Technician for Macduff Shellfish in Mintlaw. He opted for the electrical route with his apprenticeship qualifications: Performing Engineering Operations (PEO), National Certificate (NC) and Higher…
Read MoreGet 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: Scottish Funding Council
² Source: Scottish Government
³ Source: Skills Development Scotland