We offer a wide range of engineering programmes, ranging from;
GCSE in Engineering and Craft Apprenticeships through to the BTEC National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering. Many of our students go on to University through this vocational route.
'I chose this career because
it was something different.
I didn't want to be stuck in an
office five days a week.'
Jessica Van der Tang
Jessica's Story
Engineering is a very rewarding and universal career, but few women within the UK choose to go into engineering. However, The Design Village and their new craft apprentice Jessica Van der Tang are playing their part to change all that.
John Semenowicz Programme Manager for Engineering at the Guernsey College of FE said “Having checked our records, we were surprised to discover that Jessica is the one of only two female student apprentices ever to attend our day release course in engineering ”.
And Jessica’s course tutor Robin Powell said “Jessica is an exemplary student and an excellent role model for other young women to follow, we would like more students like her”
So why should young women choose engineering? Because It offers a varied, intellectually challenging career with opportunities to travel, gain professional qualifications and even run your own company.
Did you know that, With the exception of accountants, there are more engineers on the Boards of UK companies than any other profession? The salary is good, international respect has never been higher and there are opportunities to make a real difference to the way we live.
Yet still very few women choose engineering as a career. Look at the UK statistics. Women account for only:
4% of engineering apprenticeships
11% of engineering students in FE colleges
18% of engineering undergraduates
4% of operators/assemblers
6% of professional engineers
3% of chartered engineers.
But we need to change some of the preconceptions about engineering Engineering is not dirty, boring and badly paid.
Except for on-site visits, engineers like Jessica at The Design Village work in offices using state-of-the-art equipment. They are inventors, designers and problem solvers. They are part of an international network of highly-skilled professionals. They are well paid and well respected. Wouldn’t any young woman want to be part of such a team? And employers like Design Village recognize the fact that women make very good engineers.
Any young school leavers expecting to achieve good results in their maths and science or technology GCSE examinations might be interested in following our new 2yr Full Time National Diploma in manufacturing Engineering. (an alternative route to university) Contact course Co-ordinator Robin Powell on robinp@gcfe.net
School Leavers, find your route to a university degree in Engineering - Click the YouTube screen to play
Engineering Career Choices
A new vocational route to University? Listen to BBC Radio Guernsey broadcast - click the iPod to play
School Leavers - find out what engineering is all about in the 'Joining another World' - Click the YouTube screen to play
Slideshow - Welding in action! Click the YouTube screen to play
The worldskills Olympics are coming to London in 2011
Yes! there is a worldskills Olympics that takes place every two years, where young people from around the world display their skills. The skills range from welding, carpentry and joinery, art, cake decoration to childcare! The categories include:
Finally, things don't always go to plan in engineering and it is desirable, but not essential, to have a good sense of humour. Why not test yourself with these Engineering jokes.
Engineering
Led by: John Semenowicz - email
Robin Powell
Mark Pratt
Downloadable course information in .pdf format:
BTEC National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering leaflet
