Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Ready to take your first step into engineering?
Our NQ Engineering Level 4 course introduces you to the exciting world of STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths — while developing your communication and digital skills.
This course is ideal if you’re interested in practical, hands-on learning and want to build the foundations for a career in the fast-moving engineering industry. It’s equally suited to those considering a career change or returning to study after a break.
You’ll learn in our fully equipped workshops and labs through a mix of theory, experiments, and real-world project work — including designing and building your own electronic projects. Every student also receives a personal toolkit, multimeter, and electronic microcontroller kit to keep on completion.
This introductory course is ideal for:
- School leavers interested in developing essential STEM and practical engineering skills
- Adults returning to education or considering a career change
- Learners with qualifications gained outside the UK who wish to progress to higher study
- Anyone with an interest in technology, mechanics, or electrical systems
You don’t need previous experience — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
What you will learn
You’ll develop a solid foundation in engineering principles and practical skills, including:
- Electricity and Energy (National 4) - Understand how energy is generated and used safely
- Numeracy and Mathematics (National 4) - Build the problem-solving and calculation skills engineers rely on
- Communication and ICT - Learn how to communicate technical ideas clearly and confidently
- Software Programming - Gain an introduction to programming and automation
- Electronic Soldering and Circuit Assembly - Create working electronic circuits
- Electrical Wiring Skills - Learn the basics of electrical installation
- Engineering Project - Apply everything you’ve learned to design and build a working project
All learning combines theory with hands-on experience to help you build real confidence in the workshop.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
✅ However, your level of spoken and written English will be assessed.
✅ Applicants with relevant industry experience are welcome to apply.
✅ Enthusiasm for engineering and a willingness to learn are essential.
✅ We welcome female applicants who wish to take up a new career in Engineering.
ℹ️ Entry is based on a competitive review of applications and your personal statement.
This statement is very important and it should clearly demonstrate your interest in the subject and any relevant experience. It is unlikely that you will progress onto the course unless this has been completed in detail.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Completing this course can open pathways to roles such as:
⚙️ Engineering Assistant
💡 Workshop Technician
🔋 Electrical or Mechanical Trainee
📈 Modern Apprentice within the energy or construction sectors
Future prospects
The NQ Engineering Level 4 qualification allows you to progress to higher-level study, including:
- NQ Electrical Engineering (Level 5)
- NQ Mechanical Engineering (Level 5)
- NC Computing
- NC Applied Science
If you perform well, you may also progress to:
- Access Engineering (pre-degree entry course)
- Access STEM (pre-degree entry course)
- HNC/D Electrical Engineering (Year 1)
