Mechatronics

Course Overview

T-Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing – Mechatronics

This two-year T Level is for learners who want to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to work in engineering maintenance, installation and repair.

You will learn how mechanical, electrical, electronic and control systems work together in modern mechatronic equipment. You will develop the confidence to plan work safely, identify faults, carry out maintenance and repair activities, and communicate technical information clearly.

The course combines classroom-based learning, practical workshop activity and a substantial industry placement. It is equivalent in size to three A Levels and includes a compulsory industry placement of 315–350 hours.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You will learn through a combination of classroom teaching, engineering theory, practical workshop sessions, demonstrations, group work and independent study. You will use industry-relevant tools, equipment and test instrumentation to develop safe working practices and practical competence.

The core component is assessed through externally assessed knowledge tests and an externally assessed employer-set project. The employer-set project enables you to apply your knowledge and skills to a realistic engineering context.

The Mechatronic occupational specialism is assessed through one externally moderated 22-hour practical assignment. This includes planning and preparing work, carrying out maintenance activity, working safely with systems and faults, reviewing your work, reporting findings and completing a technical handover.

You will also complete a compulsory industry placement of 315–350 hours, equivalent to 45–50 days, to develop workplace experience and professional behaviours.

What will I study?

You will study the engineering common core alongside the Mechatronic occupational specialism.

You will develop knowledge and skills in:

• Engineering health and safety, including risk assessment and safe systems of work
• Engineering mathematics, science and technical problem-solving
• Maintenance, installation and repair requirements
• Fault detection, diagnosis, isolation and resolution methods
• Mechanical systems, motion, forces, energy and power transmission
• Electrical and electronic systems, circuits and components
• Sensors, actuators, motors, controllers and automation
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Programmable and integrated mechatronic systems
• Technical drawings, data, reports and maintenance records
• Communication, teamwork and professional practice
• Planning, carrying out and reviewing engineering work.

Modules

Core

Engineering Common Core

This develops the underpinning knowledge, skills and behaviours needed across the engineering and manufacturing sector. Topics include:

• Health and safety, legislation and sustainability
• Business, project and quality principles
• Engineering design, mathematics and science
• Materials, manufacturing and maintenance principles
• Communication, teamwork and professional behaviours
• Digital tools and data used in engineering.

Additional / Occupational Specialism

Maintenance Engineering Technologies: Mechatronics

This specialist component focuses on maintaining, installing, servicing and repairing mechatronic technology, systems and equipment. Learners will study:

• Mechanical systems, mechanisms and controllers
• Energy storage, transfer and power conversion
• Electrical installation components, protection methods and common failure modes
• Electrical, electronic and programmable systems
• Sensors, actuators, motors and control systems
• Fault-finding, testing, diagnosis, isolation and repair
• Planning and preparing maintenance and installation work
• Reviewing work, writing technical reports and completing handovers.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Science, English Language and Mathematics.

Why should I choose USP College?

Choose USP College to develop your engineering knowledge through practical, career-focused learning.

You will benefit from:

• Access to specialist Engineering Suites with industry-standard equipment, welding bays, including robotic arms, lathes and an AR welding suite
• Practical learning that connects mechanical, electrical, electronic and automated systems
• Opportunities to develop the technical, digital and professional skills employers value
• A substantial industry placement, helping you understand real workplace expectations
• Teaching that prepares you for progression into skilled engineering employment, apprenticeships or higher education
• A supportive college environment with careers guidance and wider employability opportunities.

Additional costs

Learners will need suitable clothing and personal protective equipment for practical workshop activities and industry placement.

What could I do next?

After completing the T Level, you can progress directly into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education.

Possible job roles include:

• Mechatronics Technician
• Maintenance Technician
• Engineering Maintenance Technician
• Electrical Maintenance Technician
• Manufacturing Technician
• Automation Technician
• Service and Repair Technician
• Controls Technician
• Production Engineering Technician.

You may also progress to a higher or degree apprenticeship in engineering, manufacturing, automation or maintenance. University progression routes may include degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, manufacturing engineering, robotics, automation or mechatronics.

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