Foundation Degrees in Mechanical Engineering & Electrical/Electronic Engineering (FdEng)

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1 In partnership, we can create the best foundation for your Business and Staff Foundation Degrees in Mechanical Engineering & Electrical/Electronic Engineering (FdEng) Page 1

2 Welcome from Steve Hardy, Programme Director Whether you are reading this brochure as an Employer looking to up-skill your staff, an Employee looking to improve your qualifications and opportunities or just generally looking to learn more about our exciting Engineering Foundation Degrees in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, I hope you will find this brochure informative. We have very strong links with both Gower College Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot College to our mutual benefit and are extremely pleased to be offering these degrees in partnership with them. The College of Engineering at Swansea University is recognised internationally for its degree programmes, research and the contribution it makes to the economic wealth of the region. We are delighted to be validating these programmes, which promote widening access to higher education for employees working in the Engineering sector within South and South-West Wales. These FdEng courses are part of the Foundation Degree Programme and have been made possible by support from the EU s Convergence European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Government. If you are in private sector employment and live and/or work in the Convergence areas of Wales, you may be entitled to a fully or partly-funded place on the course (conditions apply). If you have found this information useful and want to know more, please contact us and we will be more than happy to talk to you in more detail. Thank you Professor Steve Hardy Programme Director Engineering Foundation Degrees College of Engineering Swansea University Page 2

3 What is the advantage of having a Swansea University validated degree? swansea university is a research-led university that has been making a difference since The University is structured into 6 Colleges, one of which is the College of Engineering with around 1,800 students. Highly rated for its world-leading research, the College of Engineering was ranked 8th in the UK and the best in Wales in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). This research informs our teaching and the development of new degree programmes. The College of Engineering s collaborative links with industry include major names such as Rolls Royce, Tata Steel, BAE Systems, European Space Agency and Airbus. Our knowledgeable academic staff and students are valued by companies for bringing a new perspective and insight into the latest engineering developments. It is in this setting of world-leading expertise that the newly developed FdEng degrees have been created in order to assist local small and medium sized businesses and industry up-skill their staff. A unique partnership has been created where the FdEng is validated and awarded by the College of Engineering at Swansea University and delivered at Gower College Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot College. Welcome and Overview Page 3

4 Studying for your FdEng in our partner Colleges Neath Port Talbot College neath-port talbot college (nptc) is a beacon award-winning college. it is the largest further education provider in the neath-port talbot county borough council area. We have eight campuses and more than 15,000 full-time and part-time students. The College offers an exciting and varied programme of courses to suit either a student s or employer s needs on a part-time or full-time basis. We are very proud of the quality of the courses and training we provide and we are very proud of the staff who teach on them. We have some of the leading specialists in their field working at NPTC with a breadth of knowledge and industry-related experience. We are able to offer expert training designed to inspire students and improve performance back in the workplace. The School of Engineering is based on the Neath and Pontardawe Campuses and currently employs over 25 full-time staff. The level of provision is from Level One to Foundation Degree and covers the following subject areas: Motor Vehicle, Welding, Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical/Electronic Engineering. The facilities at NPTC are excellent and are keeping ahead of the pace of change in technology. We have state-of-the art workshops that house numerous lathes, milling machines, coordinate measuring machines, pneumatic and hydraulic rigs. rooms, a bending moment apparatus, a material testing machine, and a colour 3D printer with hardness tester. We also have a number of dedicated learning resource areas specialising in electronics, electrical and programmable logic control engineering. The PLC room is equipped with interfaced programmable logic controllers and work stations which are installed with the latest specialised simulation software including Labview, Multisim, and Solidworks. As a large College, NPTC is able to provide one of the widest ranges of additional educational experiences currently available in Wales. It is also why we say that NPTC is More than just an education. make nptc the right choice for you! Mike Rees Head of School - Engineering Within the welding workshop there are 18 bays with the latest machinery. In addition we also have three dedicated drawing Page 4

5 Gower College Swansea gower college swansea is a bustling and vibrant base for students on a Wide variety of full- and part-time courses. our six campuses located around the county cater for more than 11,000 students each year. Based at the Tycoch and Gorseinon campuses, our Engineering Department features state-of-the-art welding and electronics workshops with the latest machinery, and we are always looking to evolve our provision to ensure the best learning experience. Courses range from Level One to Foundation Degrees across subjects such as Electro- Technical Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mining, Digital Technology, Welding, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Motor Vehicle. In addition to our full- and part-time provision, we also have an extensive apprenticeship programme which gives students experience and qualifications while they are working. We have excellent links with industry and are constantly communicating with local employers to find out what they want from students so that we can be responsive and flexible to their needs. All students are guaranteed a hands-on teaching experience from lecturing staff who have spent many years working in industry. Testament to the quality of our teaching is the fact that many of our former students have gone on to top-level jobs in industry, including one who is now a Chief Engineer for a Formula 1 team. But it s not just a quality learning experience that we provide - we also offer excellent facilities to students including our modern learning resource centres. Our mission is to provide outstanding learning opportunities and experiences for young people, adults and employers in Swansea. If you want to find out more, give us a call and we d be happy to show you around. Dave Cranmer Engineering Learning Area Manager Partner Colleges Page 5

6 What is a Foundation Degree? a foundation degree is a distinctive higher education qualification Which combines academic and Workbased learning and has been designed to meet skill gaps in the economy for example, higher professional technicians or, employees looking to up-skill. The FdEngs are currently validated and managed by Swansea University and delivered at Gower College Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot College, as part of the University s collaborative provision. core features of foundation degrees are: Employer involvement Building on current skills to gain a qualification Development of new skills and knowledge Application of skills in the workplace 240 credits studied over three years Important opportunity to progress within the company What is unique about our FdEngs? Foundation Degrees were introduced by the former Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in 2000 to provide graduates with particular skills in which there was a perceived shortage. at their heart, our foundation degrees in engineering integrate academic and work-based learning through close relationships with local Welsh engineering industry. fdengs bring together: The best of further education practice (vocational study, employer led & skill-based curriculum) What are the advantages of our FdEngs? Employer-led curriculum in line with industry needs Widening access to higher learning through work-based programmes and clearer progression routes to bachelor degree level bring hes, fes and local employers together in partnership for the design and delivery of provision to promote social inclusion with the valuable insights/input of higher education (theory underpinned by research)...in a compressed programme of study (3 years part-time) for private sector employees The FdEngs are targeted at closing this skills gap by providing opportunities for continuing technical and professional development. The FdEng will enable your workforce to meet the new challenges and build the capability of your business to respond rapidly to the external environment and changes that occur. Whether you are up-skilling existing employees or recruiting new ones, a FdEng graduate will have very specific skills and the ability to develop and apply those skills in the workplace. Foundation Degrees provide specific benefits to the employers: development of wider/generic skills, e.g. presentation and communication skills, alongside developing technical skills, means that staff are more able to communicate within the organisation and with customers, suppliers etc. Page 6

7 As an employer, how can the FdEngs benefit my business? our engineering foundation degrees are about responding to specific skills needs in Wales. in semta s Wales engineering sector assessment 2010, it Was estimated that hard-to-fill vacancies could have cost the Welsh economy as much as 31 million in lost gva in the foremost reason cited Was the lack of applicants With the required qualifications and skills. The FdEngs are targeted at closing this skills gap by providing opportunities for continuing technical and professional development. The FdEng will enable your workforce to meet the new challenges and build the capability of your business to respond rapidly to the external environment and changes that occur. Whether you are up-skilling existing employees or recruiting new ones, a FdEng graduate will have very specific skills and the ability to develop and apply those skills in the workplace. Foundation Degrees provide specific benefits to the employers: development of wider/generic skills, e.g. presentation and communication skills, alongside developing technical skills, means that staff are more able to communicate within the organisation and with customers, suppliers etc Employer involvement in FdEngs, through the work-based learning elements, helps to raise the profile of the organisation Ensures that employees and employers have the skills for increased competitiveness Staff bringing current and relevant knowledge to the company and share techniques Staff with increased motivation and commitment to the company or organisation Increased staff confidence to apply their skills and knowledge Since Eleanor enrolled on the Electrical Foundation Degree course with Neath-Port Talbot College her technical ability and confidence have picked up no end. Martin Corrie, Director of M&M Electricals Ltd What is a Foundation Degree? Page 7

8 How will I study for my FdEng? course material is delivered on a part-time basis at both gower college swansea and neath-port talbot college. in addition, the Work-based learning elements of the degree (just over one-third) are undertaken at your place of Work as part of your normal activities. What can I gain from this Foundation Degree in Engineering? A Foundation Degree is a recognised and highly respected qualification in its own right. Furthermore, each programme will prepare you for entry to the final year of a part-time Honours Degree in Mechanical or Electrical/Electronic Engineering. You will develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes for successful performance in working life. Benefits for Employees Gaining new subject knowledge and an understanding of theories linked to workplace practices Development of a range of transferable skills such as group working and communication skills An opportunity to share and exchange working practices, to learn from others and broaden horizons Employees Case Study Tim chose to study for the FdEng as he feels that on completion he will be in a position to apply for roles within National Grid such as Technical/ Field Support Engineer. A FdEng will give Tim the academic knowledge underpinning his subject area so that he will be able to adapt to new ideas and new technology. The FdEng qualification will open more doors for me, leading me to further progression and an increase in pay. Tim Jones, Field Technician, National Grid FdEng in Mechanical Engineering at Gower College Swansea Gaining access to promotion and additional responsibilities at work A full HE qualification in its own right, but with progression opportunities to a full Honours Degree If you are working in the private sector in an engineering or related industry and want to build on your existing experience, knowledge and skills and to gain a higher-level qualification, then our Foundation Degrees are for you. Christopher Thomas started employment with Tata Steel in 1999 as a Mechanical Apprentice. After successfully completing his four year apprenticeship Christopher has worked as a crane fitter and then moved to a manufacturing line where he worked as a Mechanical Inspector. Christopher has recently been promoted to Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer and feels that by completing the FdEng course he will have the qualifications to support his experience. I have been out of education for eight years and studying at home for me, was not an option. I feel that I need the guidance and interaction with my tutors. Christopher Thomas, Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer, Tata Steel FdEng in Mechanical Engineering at Neath-Port Talbot College Page 8

9 Delivery structure - Mechanical Engineering year credits Basic Engineering Analysis Engineering Science Engineering Mechanics Introduction to Materials Applications of Hydraulics and Pneumatics Research Study and Presentation Skills Introduction to Mechanical Design* Industrial Project - Definition, Research and Planning* *Work-based modules (30 credits) **Options Delivery structure - Electrical/Electronic Engineering year credits Basic Engineering Analysis Engineering Science Circuit Analysis Instrumentation and Control Microcontrollers Research Study and Presentation Skills Introduction to Electrical Design* Industrial Project - Definition, Research and Planning* *Work-based modules (30 credits) **Options year 2-80 credits Engineering Analysis Strength of Materials Fluid Mechanics Thermodynamics Mechanical Properties of Materials Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise** Engineering Management** year 2 & 3 - Work-based modules, 60 credits Industrial Project - Investigation Industrial Project - Implementation Industrial Project - Evaluation year 2-80 credits Engineering Analysis Power Engineering Signals and Systems Electronic Circuits Advance Electrical Principles Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise** Engineering Management** year 2 & 3 - Work-based modules, 60 credits Industrial Project - Investigation Industrial Project - Implementation Industrial Project - Evaluation How will I study? Delivery Structure Page 9

10 Application Process Is funding available for this course? the mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering courses are part of a foundation degree programme, made possible by the eu s convergence european social fund (esf) through the Welsh government. if you are in private sector employment and live and/or work in the convergence region of Wales (West Wales and the valleys) you may be entitled to a fully or partly-funded place on the course. The amount of funding received by an employer under public sources will determine if the FdEng is fully or partially funded. How do I apply for the FdEng course? Step 1 Employer or Employee makes contact with the Colleges or University (see contact details below) and register their interest to find out more. Step 2 A member of the College or Swansea University teams will contact you to talk about the qualification and your eligibility. eligibility criteria: a) Work and/or live in the convergence areas of Wales b) Working in the private sector in an engineering company or related activity Step 3 Choose the College where you prefer to study and the College and/or University teams will help you fill in all the necessary enrolment paperwork. Wales Convergence Step 4 - Enjoy your Course!!! Register your interest by getting in touch with: local authority boundary (1.4.03) Neath-Port Talbot College mike rees Head of School michael.rees@nptc.ac.uk Swansea University claudia rabello davies Programme Manager c.rabellodavies@swansea.ac.uk Page 10 Gower College Swansea dave cranmer Engineering Learning Area Manager d.cranmer@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk jo Williams Programme Administrator joanne.r.williams@swansea.ac.uk