Performing Engineering Operations (EAL) Level 2 (2026/27)

Brand new to engineering and looking to get your start in this exciting industry? This is the course for you!

Taught at East Durham College's Technical Academy facility, you'll be learning the practical and theory behind engineering from highly experienced lecturers using authentic and up-to-date equipment you'd be using in a real-life job.

The Technical Academy is all about simulating a real working environment; inside you'll find everything an engineer could ever need, including a new North East Institute of Technology Engineering suite with CAD/CAM software, realistic production line simulator and even a Virtual Reality welding headset.

Engineers can also use our dedicated engineering workshops for practical work, with a suite of lathes, mills and other equipment all available for our engineering students.

As an introductory course in engineering, you can expect to cover all of the essential skills and knowledge you'll need as a professional engineer.

The course has a great deal of focus on health and safety requirements and communicating engineering information.

You can expect to learn the theory behind engineering in a standard classroom environment, then spend a large amount of your time in our engineering facilities putting your theory into practice with practical work. These practical skills will be formally assessed throughout the course.

The course consists of a total of six units - three mandatory and three optional. The mandatory units are:

• Working safely in an engineering environment
• Using and communicating technical information
• Working efficiently and effectively

The three optional units currently are:

• Producing components using hand fitting techniques
• Producing joints using MIG welding
• Producing components by turning

Following successful completion of the course you will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Engineering course or move into an advanced apprenticeship in Engineering.

Successful completion may also lead to employment at operator level.

Following successful completion of the course candidates may progress on to the Level 3 Engineering course, enter into an apprenticeship or employment.

Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.

This course is assessed by learners producing practical products and building a portfolio of evidence.

September 2026

1 year, full-time This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.