- Duration
2 years
- Attendance
- 3 days per week with 1 day in industry
- Location
- Plumpton College
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. This is a varied programme including:
- 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
Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme.
Entry Requirements
- You'll need to have achieved 5 or more GCSEs between grade 9-4 (previous grade structure A*-C) including English, Maths and Science
- Successful completion of a related Level 2 course
Mature students without the above requirements will be considered.
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.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
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 depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.
