New course can help engineering firms to upskill the workforce

Engineering firms looking to upskill their workforce can take advantage of a new course launched by the University of Northampton.

The Engineering HNC is ideal for companies who want to take their employees to a level 4 qualification, and then possibly progress to level 6, if the student shows the required aptitude.

Students completing the HNC could, alternatively, sign up for a Degree Apprenticeship with the University if that route would suit them and the company.

Senior Lecturer, Stephen Hillyard, said: “The HNC is ideal for those who may have recently completed A-levels or a level 3 engineering qualification at college, and are currently working for an employer and looking to progress their career within the firm. Alternatively, employers may wish to sponsor an older employee who is looking to progress.”

The HNC has been developed to provide a challenging programme of study that will enable students to develop the concepts, knowledge, skills and techniques required for today′s engineering industry.  Specialised modules relevant to the industry in which students are employed, and a platform for successful career development, will also be covered.

The course is equivalent to the first stage of an undergraduate Engineering degree. This qualification offers a specialist programme of study which provides you with the key knowledge, understanding and lab-based practical skills required in the engineering sector.

Unlike many qualifications, this course is vocationally focussed and therefore students can develop a range of higher-level skills, techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

This qualification is taught at the University’s Waterside campus and can be studied part-time over two years (one day a week) or full-time over a year (two days a week).

Find out more on the course page or contact the course leader, by emailing  stephen.hillyard@northampton.ac.uk