The Level 1 and Level 2 PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) courses are designed to prepare students for an engineering apprenticeship or to follow on with Level 2/3 course in Engineering.
PEO is recognised by all apprenticeship providers and employers as a national benchmark for competency in the engineering industry.
The course will enable you to:
• Learn practical skills and gain a relevant industry standard qualification.
• Access workplace experience with companies in the form of site visits.
• Experience development sessions and careers advice as part of our wider 6th form offer.
• Re-sit English and/or Maths GCSEs / Functional Skills (where needed).
The qualification is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) that involves the skills and knowledge to work in an engineering environment. The NVQs are based on national occupational standards, which you must meet to be competent in each module of work.
Level 1
The L1 PEO course has 5 practical foundation competency units.
There are no entry requirements for this course and students will also study Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths.
L1 PEO students will work 3 days per week with 8 hours of contact time with specialist Engineering staff.
L1 PEO students will be able to progress onto the L2 PEO course, so we do see this as a 2 year pathway for those students (if students can fast track through the L1 units, they could complete some L2 units in year1).
Level 2
The L2 PEO (Performing Engineering Operations) course is a full time qualification studied over 4 days, which is designed to prepare students for an engineering apprenticeship or to follow on with Level 3 course in Engineering.
It is recognised by all apprenticeship providers and employers as a national benchmark for competency in the Engineering industry.
L2 students will need to achieve a minimum of a Grade 3 or better in English and Maths GCSE – this is to allow you to access the theoretical side of the course and be successful in the written assignments. GCSE Resits can be studied alongside this course.
L2 students will study 15 hours with industry specialist Engineering staff.
L2 students have to choose which discipline to specialise in:
Mechanical Engineering/Toolmaking
OR
Fabrication & Welding
Mechanical Engineering/Toolmaking Route
All students will cover the fundamental skills and knowledge common to all engineering practices in the 3 mandatory units. These Mandatory units are:
• Safe working practices.
• Carrying out engineering activities.
• Communicating technical information.
ME students will then cover a minimum of 3 additional assessment units in the following practices:
• Producing components using bench fitting techniques.
• Preparing and using lathes for turning operations.
• Preparing and using CNC turning machines.
• Preparing and using CNC milling machines.
Fabrication & Welding Route
All students will cover the fundamental skills and knowledge common to all Engineering practices in the 3 mandatory units. These Mandatory units are:
• Safe working practices.
• Carrying out engineering activities.
• Communicating technical information.
F&W students will then cover a minimum of 3 additional assessment units in the following practices:
• Producing sheet metal components and assemblies (<3mm).
• Preparing and using manual TIG welding equipment.
• Preparing and using manual MIG welding equipment.
• Producing plate work components and assemblies (>3mm).
Assessment
All units are assessed against a set criteria. There is a holistic approach to assessment which involves a portfolio of evidence, witness testimonies and verbal questioning to measure knowledge and understanding of key principles.
Students must complete underpinning knowledge questions at the end of each unit (25-30 questions) as well as manufacture all parts within tolerance.
Expectations
The following expectations are fundamental to the success of any student enrolling on this course:
• A minimum of 95% attendance to taught lessons (not including authorised absence).
• A good attitude to work, peers and staff – workplace skills of good or better on all reports.
• Keeping up to date with all work set – your work will be assessed regularly and you will be given feedback on how you can improve.
• Being proactive to seek advice and guidance if you are struggling with any aspect of the course.
• We recommend that students secure work experience placements on their day(s) away from college to give them the best chance of securing employment at the end of the course.
There will be a probationary period of 6 weeks, after which your attitude to continue the course will be assessed.
PEO students will need UTC Branded work wear that they are expected to wear at all times. PPE will be provided.