Quick Summary
Combines engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and technical design, covering both theoretical concepts and practical production methods in one qualification.
The 315-hour placement puts you in a real engineering or manufacturing environment, building technical skills employers value highly
One of the broadest T Levels available, engineering spans aerospace, automotive, electronics, and more, giving you wide career options.
What is this T-Level?
IN A NUTSHELL
The Engineering and Manufacturing T Level is for 16–19 year olds who want to work in technical engineering or manufacturing roles, covering the design, production, maintenance, and management of engineering systems and products.
It is a rigorous, technical course combining maths, science, and practical engineering skills with a real industry placement. It is designed to meet the needs of the UK's engineering sector, which faces a persistent skills shortage.
It carries up to 168 UCAS points and is well regarded by universities offering engineering and technology degrees.
Engineering is one of the UK's most in-demand sectors, qualified engineers and technicians are consistently among the hardest roles to fill, which means strong job prospects for graduates.
The range of specialisms is wide, from welding and fabrication to mechatronics and electronics. Research what is available at your local college, as not all colleges offer all specialisms.
About the course
1. Core Component
Engineering mathematics and science
Materials, properties, and manufacturing processes
Engineering design and CAD (computer-aided design)
Quality control, testing, and maintenance
Project management in engineering contexts
Health, safety, and environmental regulations in engineering
2. Occupational Specialism
Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Mechatronics
Fabrication and Welding
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
(Specialism availability depends on your college or training provider.)
3. Industry Placement
A minimum of 315 hours (roughly 45 working days) with a real employer. Not optional, it is a required part of the qualification.
Written exams covering engineering principles and technical knowledge
Employer-set project: a practical engineering or manufacturing brief
Practical assessments and technical demonstrations in your specialism
Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* grading (similar to BTEC)
This could suit you if…
You enjoy maths, physics, and understanding how things work
You want to work in engineering, manufacturing, or a technical trade
You are hands-on and comfortable in workshop or industrial settings
You want strong employment prospects in a skills-short sector
You are considering an engineering degree or higher apprenticeship
Engineering mathematics — applying maths and physics to solve real engineering and manufacturing problems
Technical drawing and CAD — creating and reading engineering drawings and using computer-aided design software
Manufacturing processes — understanding how materials are shaped, joined, and processed in production environments
Fault diagnosis and maintenance — identifying and resolving engineering faults and maintaining equipment safely
Quality assurance — applying testing and inspection methods to ensure products meet required standards
Safe working practice — operating safely in engineering and manufacturing environments with tools and machinery
Keep your maths strong throughout — engineering calculations appear in exams, projects, and daily on placement
Engage seriously with your CAD and design software; digital engineering tools are central to modern practice
On placement, ask to be involved in as many different processes as possible, not just one area
Take health and safety training seriously — in engineering environments it is not optional, and employers notice those who take it seriously
Consider entering engineering competitions or challenges (e.g. Engineering Education Scheme, F1 in Schools) alongside your studies to build your CV
Employment
Engineering technician
Manufacturing process operator or supervisor
Electrical or mechanical engineer (with further study)
CAD technician or design engineer
Maintenance engineer
Quality control inspector
Welding or fabrication technician
Mechatronics or automation technician
Apprenticeships
Higher and degree apprenticeships in engineering are among the most well-funded and competitive in the UK. Companies including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, and Network Rail regularly recruit from T Level programmes.
Below are potential degree paths related to this T Level.
Please note: University acceptance of T Levels varies. Always verify individual entry requirements before applying.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng
Marine Engineering BEng
Mechatronics Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering BSc
Mechanical Engineering BEng/MEng
Civil Engineering BEng/MEng
Building Services Engineering BSc/BEng/MEng
