Course overview
If you’re looking to build on your skills and create a real career
opportunity within the agricultural machinery industry, this exciting course is
definitely for you.
If you’re passionate about machinery, engineering systems, and agriculture,
then Level 3 Agricultural Engineering at Plumpton College is a fantastic
opportunity. This hands-on programme places you right at the heart of the
land-based sector and prepares you for a career in real world farming
environments where modern technological advances are leading the way.
You may already have gained a Level 2 engineering qualification and be
looking to take this further, or you might have an aptitude for engineering,
science and technology with a strong academic record, either way the Level 3
qualification will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to be
successful in a range of careers, where job opportunities are excellent and
industry is seeking skilled professionals to diagnose, maintain and repair a
range of land-based machinery and technologies including forestry, horticulture,
sports turf and plant machinery and equipment.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn in our excellent workshop facilities,
and the programme will expose you to the latest industry and technological
advancements. You will undertake a commercial work placement enabling you to
develop hands-on experience and build industry contacts.
Modules
- Repair Land-Based Cultivation/ Drilling Machinery
- Repair Land-Based Forage Harvesting Machinery
- Repair Land-Based Spark-Ignition (Petrol) Engines
- Undertake Land-Based Workshop Processes
- Repair Land-Based Power Shift Transmissions
- Repair Land-Based Electric Systems
- Repair Land-Based Synchromesh Transmissions & Clutches
- Test Land-Based Electronic Systems
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above to include English and Maths OR a Level 2 in a related subject plus English and Maths, at least grade 4
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
Interested in this course? There are currently no start dates available, but please contact us to discuss your options and find out when you can apply.
Not ready to apply?
Register your interest