2 Years

Level 3 (Equivalent to 3 A Levels)

The T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing is a high‑quality, two‑year technical qualification designed for learners aged 16–19 who want to pursue a career in the engineering or manufacturing sectors.

This programme provides students with a strong foundation of industry knowledge, alongside the hands-on technical skills needed to enter the workplace with confidence. The course has been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure it reflects current and future industry practice. By the end of the qualification, learners will achieve ‘threshold competence’—the essential skills and understanding required to take the first step into engineering-related roles.

Students who complete this qualification will be well-prepared to progress into:

• Skilled employment within the engineering and manufacturing sectors

• High-quality engineering Apprenticeships

• Higher education programmes, such as HNCs, HNDs, or engineering degree routes

This T Level is ideal for learners who enjoy problem‑solving, practical work, innovation, and understanding how modern engineering shapes the world around us. 

The T Level provides a clear pathway into a wide range of engineering and manufacturing careers. Upon completion, learners can progress into roles such as:

• Engineering Technician

• Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering roles

• CAD/Technical Design roles

• Manufacturing and Production Engineering

• Maintenance Engineering

• Mechatronics and Automation

• Quality Control and Testing

Students may also continue into higher-level qualifications, including university degrees, degree apprenticeships, or other advanced technical training.

Assessment combines exams, practical application, and specialist project work:

Year 1:

• Two Core Exams covering the essential knowledge of engineering and manufacturing

• Employer‑Set Project (ESP) where students respond to a real-world industry brief

Year 2:

• Occupational Specialism, allowing students to focus on a specific area of engineering design and development and demonstrate skills through substantial practical assessments 

To enrol on this course, learners should have:

• Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE English

• Minimum Grade 4 in GCSE Maths

On completion of the T Level, students can achieve one of the following overall grades: PPP, MMM, or DDD.

Across the two years, students will develop the scientific, mathematical, and technical skills required for modern engineering. Topics include:

1. Working within the engineering and manufacturing sectors

2. Engineering and manufacturing past, present, and future

3. Engineering representations (including drawings and CAD)

4. Essential mathematics for engineering and manufacturing

5. Essential science for engineering and manufacturing

6. Materials and their properties

7. Mechanical principles

8. Electrical and electronic principles

9. Mechatronics

10. Engineering and manufacturing control systems

11. Quality management

12. Health and safety principles

13. Business, commercial, and financial awareness

14. Professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours

15. Stock and asset management

16. Continuous improvement

17. Project and programme management

Students will also complete a meaningful industry placement, allowing them to develop essential workplace experience and build strong links with employers.

For further information about the course, assessment, or how to apply, please speak to Katy Jackson
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