Welcome engineering and robotics applicants!

Kit list

Find out what equipment and resources you'll need before you join as a West Notts student.

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Watch our new robots

A case study: Masonite

Discover more about our project with Masonite who are working with our students on a range of skills, projects and knowledge needed in the engineering sector.

Gallery

James Leet, regional director of HAAS Automation, gave an interactive workshop, discussing manufacturing, life skills, and employability skills with Level 2 students.

During induction week, engineering students got stuck into plenty of action. One day saw them get to grips with a radio-controlled car grand prix. Students worked together to assemble the cars and then set up teams to race.

Students at the Engineering Innovation Centre were able to watch a mock road traffic collision scenario thanks to Ashfield Fire Station, to highlight the kind of dangers that young drivers can face on the roads today.

Students toured the Masonite factory in Huthwaite to see first-hand how the doors are made and the engineering processes.

During induction week, engineering students got stuck into plenty of action. One day saw them get to grips with a radio-controlled car grand prix. Students worked together to assemble the cars and then set up teams to race.

Dormer Pramet visited the Engineering Innovation Centre to deliver guest lectures and a presentation about machining processes and associated tooling.

Ashley Craig, from VARTA AG batteries technical sales team, has been speaking to engineering students about the company and the batteries which the students use at the Sutton-in-Ashfield engineering centre throughout their studies.

During induction week, engineering students got stuck into plenty of action. One day saw them get to grips with a radio-controlled car grand prix. Students worked together to assemble the cars and then set up teams to race.

Our BTEC Level 3 Engineering students have been busy working on the newly delivered FESTO Pneumatic systems, to develop their knowledge of maintenance and fault-finding practises.

FAQs - engineering and robotics courses

The following information will hopefully give you a little bit more of an insight into what it will be like to be a student with us.

• Where will I study?

  All of our engineering, motor vehicle, and fabrication and welding courses are based at our Engineering Innovation Centre at Oddicroft Lane in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. This is a specialist centre for trades within these industries, containing a combination of workshops and classrooms. College buses run there in the morning and afternoon, although you may need to change at the Derby Road campus. The site is near the Sutton Parkway railway station and is easily accessible by public transport. There is very limited parking on site.

• What is it like?

  Oddicroft Lane is a professional environment intended to prepare you to work in industry. We expect students to conduct themselves as they would in the world of work. Attendance and punctuality are very important. We have a lot of tools and equipment within the workshops that could be dangerous if not used properly. Therefore, we have very high expectations in terms of behaviour and attitude.

• What will I study?

  You will study a mixture of practical sessions in a workshop and more traditional theory sessions in a classroom. The higher the level of programme, the more theory-based work you will be expected to do. It is important though you understand that you will not be in a practical workshop all the time. Your practical work will be assessed but you will also have to submit written assignments and exams as part of your course.

• What about English and maths?

  If you start at college and you haven’t yet achieved your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, then you will continue to study these alongside your chosen course. At the end of your first year you will take a re-sit GCSE exam. It is important you attend your English and maths lessons alongside your chosen course.

  Take a look at our fact sheets to find out why English and maths is important within this industry.

  View English and maths fact sheets

• What will I have to wear?

  In workshops we expect you to wear steel toe-capped safety boots, overalls and in some areas safety glasses and/or ear defenders. This is what you will have to wear in industry. In classrooms you can wear your normal clothes. We expect you to change out of your safety boots and work overalls before using the canteens and classrooms so that they are kept clean and tidy.

• Will I have to do a work placement?

  At levels 2 and 3 you will be expected to complete a work placement. The central work placement team will help you find one. This will be with an engineering company or garage in the area and is a great way for you to get your foot in the door, impress an employer and potentially move into a job or apprenticeship as a result. We have great links with local employers and have a lot of apprentices studying on-site with us.

  All of our students will be able to also get engaged with our learning companies, which provide in-house opportunities to gain real-world experience. This year students have started their vehicle maintenance and repair service for members of staff and have offered winter checks and valeting services, to name but a few.

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