Welcome to the Engineering department at HSDC Alton. One of the most important roles of an Engineer is to find solutions to problems, often in the most challenging of situations.
Did you know? There are many kinds of Engineers. Engineers have the skills to turn products of the imagination into real-world innovation. As humanity’s knowledge and needs increase, the demands on Engineering grow. This means the future will be full of new opportunities for Engineers.
For your Getting Ahead activity, your teaching team would like to set you a practical challenge.
The challenge is to produce a working prototype model of a smart device stand. The problem to solve is that you can only use items found in the home/garage/shed.
The constraint to your design is that the smart device must recline (lean back) 110°.
The material choices could include paper, card, Lego, Meccano, wood, food packets, delivery boxes, metal from drinks cans, salt dough etc – your home is your resource.
Additional fixings will be required – be resourceful: consider tape, staples, sewing stitches, paperclips, glue, split pins, hairgrips, etc.
As with most engineering solutions, it is often trial and error, so keep a record of the model development. This could be in the form of photographs, video, blog/vlog – you choose.
Bring your model and the record of its development to college when we meet later this year. The teaching team will choose the most inventive and creative design. There may even be a prize!
This course will give you a very good introduction to traditional and modern engineering practices. When fully achieved, the qualification can be used as a starting point for entry to the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or an Apprenticeship.
Activity – Safety in the Workplace
An engineering workshop can be an exciting place to work, it can also be a very dangerous place. Spend a few hours investigating the hidden dangers and risk reduction methods in an engineering workshop.
Activity – Read HSAWA 1974
This document governs the way that everything is executed in the workplace, have a good look at the relevant sections, it will help with two of your units and keep you safe. Focus on the first nine sections, in particular two & seven.
Activity – Watch
These videos will give you an insight into the course. If you watch these videos you will have a better understanding of the language and terms used while you are in lessons. There are many more to watch, but these are the basic starting level that will help you understand.
This course is designed for students who wish to obtain a higher-level Apprenticeship or progress to university. During the two years, you will gain an understanding of the principles of engineering as well as gaining hands-on experience in an industry-standard workshop.
Activity – Research
Research into an engineering sector you would like to make your career, find a job role and identify their responsibilities, career path and average salary. Please bring this with you on skills week.
Activity – Preparation
Watch the following videos.
