C&G Level 1 Certificate in Engineering

Thinking a career in engineering within the manufacturing industries might be for you?

Engineering is a fantastic career option with numerous opportunities available in our region, and EDC is here to help you develop the practical skills and foundational knowledge you’ll need to take steps towards your future career in engineering!

For your practical sessions, you’ll be situated in EDC’s state-of-the-art engineering workshops. These specialist areas are located at our Peterlee campus and provide ample space for you to work alongside other students.

The engineering workshops are fully equipped with industry-standard machine tools and equipment for fabrication and welding, machining, hand fitting and maintenance, and electrical installation. Our specialist lecturers – who have extensive experience in the engineering field – will teach you everything you need to know, from basic fabrication techniques to advanced electrical installation and machining processes.

Also incorporated into the study programme will be Maths & English, tutorials, work experience, academic tutorials, and relevant trips & guest visits.

The qualification comprises three units that cover the following areas:

• Working in engineering
• Performing basic fitting techniques
• Executing basic turning techniques
• Conducting electrical assembly

With a Level 1 qualification in engineering, you could move directly into employment as a general engineering assistant, or many of our students also get opportunities to become engineering apprentices.

We work closely with many of the leading manufacturing firms in our region to provide great opportunities for our learners, so those who show the right attitude and approach to work and their studies will be in a fantastic position to move forward in their careers.

Successful completion of the Level 1 programme will allow progression onto the Level 2 programme the following academic year.

Minimum of GCSE grade 2 in Maths and English. Learners coming on to this programme will be expected to carry out a skills test.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

The programme is assessed via online exams and practical test pieces for each unit.

September 2025

The Level 1 Engineering qualification will be delivered at our state-of-the-art facilities at the East Durham College - Willerby Grove Campus over one year.

The course delivery will comprise classroom-based theory sessions and practical sessions in our engineering workshops, along with opportunities for work experience with partner employers. This hands-on experience will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competence as an entry-level engineering technician.