Tyler has always enjoyed maths and physics, and has long been interested in how circuits are designed and how they work. He came to Wigan & Leigh College straight from school and completed his BTEC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering there. When he found out the college also offered the HNC and HND, he decided to stay on and take the next step.
Tyler, Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Wigan & Leigh College
Story Video
Background
Goal
Tyler is on the full-time course at the college's Pagefield campus, with teaching concentrated into two days a week. The course covers a wide range of electrical and electronic engineering, from circuit design to sustainable energy technologies such as wind turbines and solar panels. Alongside hands-on practical work, students build the research and report-writing skills that employers expect.
The HNC is shaped by real industry needs, with topics ranging from digital control systems to electrical machines, studied through a hands-on, project-driven approach. Students are assessed through coursework rather than just exams, including written assignments, practical tasks, project work, group activities and presentations. Tutors with industry experience teach the course, and it can also be studied part time.
Journey
Being in college two days a week means Tyler can hold down a part-time job and still enjoy life outside his studies. Apprentices on the same course have told him that what they are learning is exactly what they use at work. He also values the smaller class sizes: if he gets stuck, his tutor is there to help, rather than him being lost in a large lecture theatre. He has already recommended the course to his friends.
Outcome
With a mix of research, reporting and hands-on skills, Tyler feels well suited to a career in engineering. HNC and HND qualifications in Electrical and Electronic Engineering lead into technician and engineering roles across energy, electronics and manufacturing, or on to a full degree.
After the HNC, students can complete the HND in one more year, then top up to a BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering at University Centre Wigan & Leigh College. The BEng is accredited by the IET on behalf of the Engineering Council, so graduates can apply for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
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