Harry completed his HNC in Mechanical Engineering at Wigan & Leigh College last year and has now moved on to the HND. For him, the deciding factor was flexibility. The course is taken year by year, so there is no fixed commitment, and he can take time out and come back whenever it suits him.
Harry, Mechanical Engineering at Wigan & Leigh College
Story Video
Background
Goal
Mechanical engineering is all about how things work and why. Much of the software used on the course is industry standard, the same as or similar to what large engineering companies use, so students learn skills they can apply to different tools and settings rather than being tied to one system.
At HND level, employers contribute to the course content, and the teaching team's expertise ranges from Chartered Engineering to nuclear decommissioning and design and manufacture. The HND develops the analysis, evaluation and problem-solving skills needed to take technical responsibility for complex engineering systems, assessed through written assignments, presentations and laboratory exercises.
Journey
Harry likes having control over his own learning. He points out that it is easy to go straight from an HNC to an HND, or to work in industry for years and come back to the HND later. The year-by-year approach doesn't mean any compromise on quality: students still get a great education from excellent tutors, just structured in a more flexible way.
Outcome
The HND gives Harry more control over what he does next and fits where he wants his career to go. Mechanical Engineering HNCs and HNDs lead into technician and engineering roles across manufacturing and industry, with routes on to a full degree.
After the HND, students can progress to the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering top-up. It carries IET accreditation on behalf of the Engineering Council, opening the route to professional registration as a Chartered Engineer.
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