Course overview
Whether you’re working in the farm industry at the moment or thinking about
starting your career, you’ll need to be aware of all of the changes and
developments in equipment that you’ll use on a daily basis.
If you have a passion for large machinery and are interested in science,
engineering and technology, then agricultural engineering could be for you! You
may already be interested in the farming industry, and this programme will
prepare you to work with agricultural machinery, but the skills and knowledge
you will develop are also relevant for forestry, horticulture, sports turf and
plant machinery and equipment.
Agricultural machinery uses advanced technologies such as GPS and you’ll need
to be aware of all of the changes and developments in the industry. At Plumpton,
you’ll have the opportunity to experience working on a wide range of equipment,
giving you all the practical skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to
develop skills to confidently and competently maintain, operate and repair
modern machinery to industry standards. You’ll also take part in fleet
maintenance and restoration projects and undertake an industry work placement,
all of which will enable you to develop hands-on industry
experience.
Modules
- Health and Safety for Land-based industries
- Land-based Engineering Workshop Practices
- 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
- Repair Land-Based Cultivation/ Drilling Machinery
How will I be assessed?
Two multiple choice exams, a synoptic assessment and evidence of employer engagement and 150 hours of work experience.
What is it like to be a student on this course?
As a student on this programme your time will be spent both in the classroom and in practical learning environments, undertaking hands-on engineering tasks involving agricultural vehicles, machinery, and engineering systems with access to Plumpton’s modern equipment and working farm.
The course is designed for people who enjoy learning about engineering principles, working with tools, machinery, and mechanical systems and who are interested to apply their knowledge and skills, working safely and methodically to solve practical problems in a workshop. This is very industry-focused course in which you gain exposure to employers through trips, masterclasses, and guest speakers.
Industry links
https://iagre.org/https://wearelandbased.engineering/
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 3 and above to include English or Maths OR a Level 1 in a related subject plus English or Maths, at least grade 3 or Functional skills level 1
Progression routes
- Level 3 T-Level Land Based Engineering Agriculture, Land Management and Production)Level 3 Land Based Service Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
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
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