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Marine Engineering

Course Code: DMS2
  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Diploma, NVQ
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Monday to Wednesday, 9.00am - 4.30pm (extra sessions may be required if GCSEs are to be retaken)

What's it all about?

Whether you see yourself onboard an Arctic explorer or working on the yachts of St Tropez, the marine industry could see you go far – quite literally!

For as long as there are humans, there will be booming marine industries, with more and more career opportunities opening up each day. In the South West alone, an estimated 30,000 new jobs will need to be filled in the next decade to support the UK’s wind power objectives and with Plymouth set to become a designated freeport, this could attract even more high-value jobs to the area.

This course incorporates the key skills required for anyone considering career within the marine engineering industry. It will teach you the multifaceted disciplines required to work in a boatyard or marina and how to conduct yourself safely whilst carrying out activities within these areas. Alongside the subject areas stated below, you will also develop your communication skills, work safely within the marine environment and be aware of the legislation that will keep you and those around you, safe.

Choosing the marine engineering industry means you are are choosing a future filled with possibilities.

Course information

The course covers the following areas …

  • mechanical maintenance – to enable you to carry out a range of servicing activities on pleasure craft, working with power plant and other mechanical devices to ensure vessels operate effectively
  • marine carpentry – here, you will learn to fit out a yacht to the highest standards and customer requirements and will learn the skills and terminology used within the carpentry and maritime industry
  • composite technology – a growing area of manufacturing and construction that is widely used in the maritime environment due to its strength, weight and non-corrosive properties. You will predominately work with glass fibre but will be taught all composite technologies and materials
  • employability skills – with the background knowledge you are learning we will now equip you with some of the basic skills involved with getting the position you want, and to help you prepare for your career whatever path you choose.

In order to be successful on this course you will need to have gained a grade 3 or above in GCSE English and maths. 

Assessment is via coursework submitted and verified through an ePortfolio. There are no summative assessments associated with this course.

Upon successful completion you may progress to a range of BTEC level 3 courses at the College (NDMD, NDME), a HNC/D, Foundation Degree, or BA in Marine Sciences, Naval Architecture and Marine Autonomy. You may also progress onto an Apprenticeship or into employment.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Civil Engineers

£64,560.39

Potential salary

£26,278.08

Entry level salary

£42,917.05

Average salary

9

Annual openings in Plymouth

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