Course overview
This course is only available to school students. Please do not apply if you do not meet this requirement.
A Modern Apprenticeship is part of the SDS (Skills Development Scotland) apprenticeship family, designed to develop industry-ready professionals. A key component of this journey is the PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) course, which equips you with essential engineering skills required for success in the field.
The PEO course focuses on building practical engineering expertise, such as:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Master the art of creating detailed 2 & 3D models using industry-standard CAD software. This skill is essential for engineering and manufacturing, providing a strong foundation for designing precise and professional engineering components.
- Hand Fitting Techniques: Develop practical skills in shaping, assembling, and finishing materials using hand tools, power tools, and fitting techniques. You'll learn to produce high-quality components with features like smooth threads, precise angles, and perfect fits, ensuring they meet exact specifications.
- Turning on a Lathe: Learn to operate a lathe to create components with precision features such as curved surfaces, threads, and stepped diameters. This process is crucial for producing cylindrical parts used in countless engineering applications.
- Milling Machines: Gain expertise in operating milling machines to shape materials into complex forms. You'll create parts with flat surfaces, angled edges, slots, and grooves, building components that are accurate and versatile for engineering use.
These practical skills form the backbone of engineering craftsmanship, preparing you for success in real-world engineering environments.
Course Purpose
This predominantly practical course was developed in collaboration with local industries to address skill shortages and enhance transferable skills. It serves as:
- A pre-apprenticeship programme for individuals without an apprenticeship yet but eager to develop foundational skills for engineering careers.
- The first step for employed apprentices, ensuring they gain the hand skills required for the workplace.
Why PEO is Essential
If you're a full-time student taking the PEO course and later secure an apprenticeship, your completed training will count towards your apprenticeship programme—eliminating the need to repeat the course. This seamless integration ensures your efforts align with your career goals and future employment. The PEO course is your pathway to mastering practical skills and becoming an integral part of the engineering industry!
What you will learn
To attain the qualification candidates must complete 8 units in total. This comprises:
- 3 mandatory units
- 5 optional units
- Producing Mechanical Engineering Drawings Using a CAD System
- Producing CAD Models (Drawings) Using a CAD System
- Complying with Statutory Regs and Organisational Safety Requirements (mandatory unit)
- Producing Components Using Hand Fitting Techniques
- Working Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering (mandatory unit)
- Preparing and Using Lathes for Turning Operations
- Using and Interpreting Engineering Data and Documentation (mandatory unit)
- Preparing and Using Milling Machines
The PEO in Engineering will take 2 years to complete attending 2 half days per week
I enjoy all the hands on experience in the workshop, and the college environment is better than school because it gives me a different perspective on education.
Entry requirements
You can join our course by the following: (Minimum Entry Criteria)
- Three National 4 qualifications.
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.
Future prospects
You might go on to do:
- NC in Mechanical Engineering/ Engineering related subjects
- Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Disciplines