Engineering

Summary: Details of Engineering Vocational Programmes as part of the Schools Partnership with James Watt College.

What will you learn?

Inverclyde Vocational Programme is a 2-year course and throughout S3 and S4 pupils will work towards 5 Intermediate 1 units:

Bench Skills – Metal – This unit introduces the pupil to the wide diversity of work carried out in the engineering industry and the range of tools, equipment and components commonly used. Pupils will also be expected to become familiar with manufacturing artefacts based on working drawings.

Pupils will then cover a selection of units from the following disciplines:

Fabrication and Welding
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Fastening Methods
Using Electrical Installation Hand Tools
Electrical Production and Testing Skills

Apart from learning new skills relevant to the individual units, pupils will also naturally work towards core skills such as communication, numeracy, working with others, problem solving and Information Technology – all of which are invaluable when entering the world of work.

Where will you study?

The Engineering Option is delivered at the James Watt College by College Lecturers. On this option, pupils carry out their tasks in a ‘workshop’. There will also be a Vocational Assistant with your group at all times to ensure attendance, pupil welfare and act as a guide for those with issues about the course.

What is the difference from school?

The main difference between traditional Standard Grade subjects and the Inverclyde Vocational Programme is how you will learn. The major factor is that all learning takes place in a totally different environment to school and is assessed in a work context.

How are you assessed?

This option offers a modular training programme. Each year you will complete a variety of units in Engineering disciplines.

Each unit has a number of learning outcomes that you must achieve in order for you to complete the full unit.

You will be assessed in different ways depending on the unit. This may include observing you during practical work, some written work & tests, and by answering questions.

If you successfully complete the vocational units that make up your course, you will receive an Intermediate 1 award for each unit that you have passed.

In the Scottish Qualifcations Authority’s framework, an Intermediate 1 award rates the same as a General Level award at Standard Grade.

Overall, there is no “pass” or “fail” and you will accumulate all the units that you successfully achieve and be certifcated for these.

During your S4 work-experience week we would hope to arrange a placement for you within an establishment that links into the Early Education and Childcare Vocational Option.

Future Opportunites

Inverclyde Vocational Programme aims to give all pupils a comprehensive understanding of the Engineering Industry by allowing them to gain experience in its main disciplines.

The Engineering Option has been developed in order to recognise the needs of future employers and it is hoped that the programme will act as a springboard to gaining direct entry into the workplace, a Traineeship or Apprenticeship, or go on to College.

Employment opportunities are excellent – current research shows that there is a shortage of appropriately trained personnel in the sectors to which the Construction Option is linked.