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Career routes could lead you to create revolutionary designs in sustainable technologies, preserve historical buildings, test aerodynamics on Formula 1 cars, or bring the future forward in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Engineers make things, use creativity and logic to design and solve problems, and help to shape the world we see around us. With us, you could be trialing new skills in electronics, exploring the use of robotics, creating functioning materials from CAD designs and gaining a wide range of different equipment knowledge.
Key to everything on our Engineering courses is giving you the responsibility and confidence to discover, interpret and test within exciting projects, developing the important skills that employers want to see.
Anthony began his studies in Civil Engineering Design at Coventry University but they were interrupted by a serious car accident, a consequence of which was losing the functional use of his hands.
As part of his rehabilitation, he attended Abingdon & Witney College and completed a Music Technology course with Merit. He then returned to Coventry University and graduated with a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering Design.
Anthony started his teaching career by completing a PGCE in Post-compulsory Education at Oxford Brookes while volunteering at the College to complete his teaching hours. Further industry experience was gained by working as Capital Projects and Sustainability Officer at the College, before returning to the Engineering department to teach.
"My favourite aspect of teaching is the Eureka! moment when a student suddenly clicks with a subject and the excitement that shows on their face.
Teaching at the College has allowed me to experience this at all levels, from Level 2 students grasping how to rearrange equations to Foundation Degree students understanding two-dimensional stress and strain mechanics.
Students in Engineering learn not only the fundamental skills, analysis techniques and knowledge to become successful Engineers; they learn a set of behaviours and softer skills that allow them to flourish and show their abilities."
Before arriving at Abingdon & Witney College in 2012, Peter spent 26 years working in Engineering at BMW and as a designer at another company. During his career in industry, Peter has trained and worked in many different areas within Engineering, building up a vast amount of industry knowledge.
He did a four-year apprenticeship in tool-making and machining and was then a CNC machine operator in the BMW tool room, until joining the CNC programming department. There he was a CNC Planner/Programmer, which involved planning, programming 3 and 5 axis machines, surface design, problem-solving and project managing. In his other job role, he also gained experience as a designer, creating production drawings using AutoCad.
"Engineers like to get their hands dirty, make things, solve problems and repair things! When the students come into the workshop with me, they get the chance to think outside the box and learn to do things they cannot do in the classroom environment.
They can create projects which they can then take with them to talk about with an employer when going for an interview. Many opt for an apprenticeship as it's a recognised career route into the industry, so they complete one course and return the next year as an apprentice."
It's been great having my employer support my progression and career. I did study engineering at secondary school, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I do here.
There's a good atmosphere and the equipment is fantastic. I have the freedom to get on with the work but the support is there if and when I need it.
In my opinion, it's the best thing to do; taking on an apprenticeship, going to college and getting paid for it.
I have a clear direction in mind too, as I'm thinking of studying an engineering HNC and potentially an HND after that.
I studied for my Level 3 engineering apprenticeship on-site at BMW. During that time, you get to work in different departments and figure out the career route you're interested in – I've chosen the maintenance department.
The tutors at the college really know their stuff and are helpful. You can tell they have experience working with BMW as the organisation and communication is really good, especially as we're on shift patterns.
Going forward, the HND is a potential option, because if you progress well you can look into the foundation degree.
During my time at the College, alongside my role at BMW, I have been developing my skillset and gaining more and more confidence in what I do.
The workshops and equipment allow me to work on the areas I’d like to specialise in and apply the practical experience and knowledge I learn at college back into my job.
I would say that the course is helping me get to where I am because I am constantly learning new things.
Aeronautical Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Automotive Engineer
Communications Engineer
Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Motorsports Engineer
Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Engineer
Systems Software Engineer
School Leaver FFAM100P
Using our state-of-the-art facilities, you will learn a range of technical, practical and academic skills in order to prepare you for a career in the engineering industry, an apprenticeship or further study....
School Leaver FFAU200P
Take your first steps towards a career in the Engineering Industry with a Level 2 Engineering course....
School Leaver FFAU300P
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Part Time ICKU402P
This workshop will teach you how to check and maintain your bicycle and to fix the most common problems that arise, to keep you safe when cycling. In order to avoid disappointment, it is advisable to enrol at least 2½ weeks prior to the course starti...
Part Time ICKU403P
This workshop will teach you how to check and maintain your bicycle and to fix the most common problems that arise, to keep you safe when cycling. In order to avoid disappointment, it is advisable to enrol at least 2½ weeks prior to the course starti...
Part Time XSBR114P
This course will enable candidates to install, commission, repair and maintain domestic unvented hot water cylinders to comply with building regulations and standards....
28th Apr 2023 - 28th Apr 2023
Monday
Engineering
Bicester Construction Skills Centre
View course detailsPart Time XSBR117P
This course will enable candidates to install, commission, repair and maintain domestic unvented hot water cylinders to comply with building regulations and standards....
28th Apr 2023 - 30th Jul 2023
Monday
Engineering
Bicester Construction Skills Centre
View course details
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