Course Overview
Do you love working with machines and knowing them inside out? Are you practical, with a passion for hands-on work and engineering? Our A-Level equivalent Level 3 course in Land-based Engineering will give you the opportunity to work with a fleet of modern, industry-standard vehicles and machines like tractors, combines and harvesters. With our 800-acre Lackham campus as your classroom, including extensive workshops and a working commercial farm, your learning will be hands-on, practical and exciting. As an agricultural engineer, you will learn about engines and machinery, and become confident and proficient in using them as part of everyday work and learning. You’ll cover subjects such as the difference between petrol and diesel engines, electrics and electronics, transmissions, hydraulics and more, to a higher level than would be covered in the Level 2 programme. You’ll learn how to operate a wide range of farm machinery, from a gator to more general equipment such as fertilisers, spreaders and sprayers. You’ll build confidence in using these machines and understanding how they work. Your time at college will give you a real idea of how the agriculture and land-based engineering industries operate, and you’ll be learning from lecturers with years of industry experience. Lackham is home to working commercial farms, so you’ll be immersed in a realistic industry environment from day one, giving you a head start that will be useful to you whether you want to study further, progress onto an apprenticeship or seek employment.
What will I learn?
You’ll build advanced skills necessary to understand and work on a variety of agricultural machines. Areas of study will include engine technology, hydraulics, chassis, suspension and brake design, transmissions including hydrostatic, power shift, CVT and synchromesh.
This course will give you a detailed understanding of the design, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combines, harvesters and construction plant equipment.
You will also study vehicle electronics and diagnostics, workshop practice, principles of crop cutting and processing, welding (including MMA, MIG and TIG) principles of cultivating and machine use.
You will also be given the skills to manage a business and offered the chance of additional qualifications in the form of rough terrain forklift and pesticide application.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
Throughout this course you’ll be assessed by externally-assessed exams and synoptic assignments. There is also some written assignment work to complete in the second year.
You will be provided with additional information and guidance at interview, enrolment and during your induction. The College will assist you in finding suitable placement opportunities in the industry through our strong links with local employers and will support you throughout the process.
Your final qualification will be a City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering.
Entry Requirements
• GCSE maths at grade 4 (C) or above, and 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English and science (or equivalent).
Additional Costs and Information
You will need to supply your own protective boots and overalls, writing equipment, clipboard and calculator, and contribute towards the costs of some visits to trade shows and exhibitions.
You may have the opportunity to undertake additional City & Guilds qualifications such as welding skills, which may require you to pay additional fees.
What Could I Do Next?
Once you have completed this course, you could progress into an apprenticeship or start your career in land-based engineering.
