Engineering

Engineering is going through unprecedented changes as the move towards a renewable, carbon free future gathers pace. This is creating many opportunities for apprentices and engineers of all disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, renewable and systems engineers. There are simply not enough qualified apprentices and engineers in Scotland to fill the jobs which are rapidly being created by renewable, manufacturing and industrial demand.

West Lothian College is striving to develop and produce modern engineers to increase the skills pool in this industrial sector and make sure there are enough qualified and skilled people as we move towards a 2030 Net Zero Scotland.

The staff here have a multitude of industrial and academic experience. College is different from university in that your tutor and lecturers will work very closely during the student’s development. Staff are in the one building and are available to give help or advice whenever they are able. We are friendly, approachable and always put the student first.

The facilities at West Lothian have had been greatly improved as of late. Much investment has been made in the engineering department. New 3-D printers and oven for carbon fibre curing. Improved laboratory facilities. The workshop has had major investment with new welding booths, tooling machines and two state of the art CNC pieces. Keeping pace with modern manufacturing techniques and standards.

HND Engineering is a broad multi-disciplinary course. Modules taught are hand-picked from electrical, mechanical, renewable and systems engineering. The most interesting part of the HND is you get to undertake a project of your choosing. This is where the learning over the year and your imagination come together. You need to project manage the build and produce an industrial standard report. The lecturers will help you develop and realise your idea. On top of this you will learn maths, business studies, Matlab and practical element using tooling machines in the workshop.

Successful ex-students getting positions at Scottish Power as a power engineer and BAE Systems working on the new Royal Navy Frigates being built in Glasgow.

Kaz Hussain is studying Mechanical Engineering, and he tells of why he believes it's #WhereYouCan