Agriculture:
Level 3 Subsidiary/Extended Diploma in Land-Based Technology
Agricultural engineers design and develop new equipment and technology for use in land-based industries, such as agriculture and horticulture. Their work also involves field testing and evaluation, technical support, and the education of customers and operators. They work in a wide range of areas - all focused on using technology to make agriculture and horticulture more efficient and productive. Landbased technology also includes environmental and conservation work, horticulture, forestry and the leisure and recreation industry.
As an agricultural engineer, you need a keen interest in and understanding of agriculture, horticulture or forestry and the ways that these industries work. You should have a very practical and logical approach to problem solving and a strong mechanical interest. You need to be able to analyse problems clearly and then produce workable solutions. In addition to your technical and engineering skills, you also need good communication skills to relay technical issues to others who do not have your expert knowledge.
This course is aimed at people wishing to gain higher practical and academic training in land-based engineering for employment or progression into further study.
The course is delivered through a combination of practical workshop lessons, theory, work experience and project work.
Course Contents
Units may include:
- Land-based engineering operations – service and repair engines
- Understanding mechanical power transmission systems
- Service and repair hydraulic systems and components
- Understanding land-based vehicle chassis systems
- Undertake work-related experience in land-based industries
- Inspect and test land-based machinery and equipment
- Monitor the handover and installation of land-based equipment
- Understanding and servicing harvesting machinery (cutting and lifting/processing)
- Service and repair electrical systems on land-based equipment
- Working with land-based diesel fuel injection systems
- Undertaking land-based technology engineering drawing
- Understanding and servicing land-based machines (cultivation and planting equipment)
- Undertake an investigative project in the land-based sector
Additional Qualifications
Your programme of study will include a Certificate of Competence
Functional Skills
All full-time learners will be required to study Functional Skills at the appropriate level. These will be in maths, English and in some cases ICT. Attendance to these sessions is mandatory, please refer to the Functional Skills section of this website for more details.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous with assignments, projects and practical work. It also includes 300 hours of work experience over the duration of the course. Ideally work experience would take place in the vacation between years 1 and 2.
Key Facts
Campus: Holme Lacy
Minimum Age: 16
Award: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Land-Based Technology
Duration: 2 years, full time
Units: The units listed are provisional and variations may occur.
Work experience: Learners are responsible for securing their own work placement. Learners must accrue 300 hours of work experience. Entry requirements
Entry Requirements:
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and maths, or completion at merit or distinction level in a suitable Level 2 qualification. Places will be offered subject to interview and initial assessments.
Typical Employment:
In the Land-based sector: Tractor driver/mechanic, Farm/industrial/plant/ heavy goods/tool hire mechanic, Service engineer, Welding and fabrication
Further Study:
Higher Education, Foundation / Degree Agricultural Engineering
Contact: 0800 032 1986
enquiries@hct.ac.uk
