The starting point

Who is the First Diploma for?

It is a foundation course for students with a general interest in engineering. You will learn about the different types of engineering; you do not specialize in one area.

What qualification do I need?

You must be at least sixteen years old with an interest in Engineering. You need at least three GCSEs including mathematics, Science, and Design and Technology.

What will I learn on the course?

You will learn:

• practical skills in manufacturing and maintenance

• about engineering materials, Computer Assisted Design (CAD), engineering measurement

• key skills in Information Technology

How will I learn?

The course is full-time for one year. You will spend some time in the classroom but most of your time will be spent doing practical tasks in the workshop, in the laboratory, or on computer screen.

How will I be assessed?

Each project is marked (continuous assessment) and there are tests at the end of each term. What can I do when I finish the course? You can use your First Diploma to help you to find a job as an apprentice. Alternatively, you can continue your studies and specialize in the area that interests you most.

3. Read the text again and decide if the sentences (1-6) below are true (T) or false (F).

1. The First Diploma is a beginner level course. T/F

2. Students learn general things about engineering. T/F

3. The course isn't practical. T/F

4. Students take one big exam at the end of the year. T/F

5. At the end of course, you can apply for a job as a trainee. T/F

Vocabulary

4. Complete the sentences (1-6) with the words from the text.

1. – means to know a lot about one part of a subject.

2. – means all your work on the course is part of the final mark.

3. – are the most important things to learn.

4. A teaches you general things about a subject.

5. An is someone who works with an experienced person to learn the job.

6. You get when you pass exams.

Writing

5. Answer the questions (1-6) about your course and write a leaflet for it.

1. Who is the course for?

2. What qualifications do I need?

3. What will I learn on the course?

4. How will I learn?

5. How will I be assessed?

6. What can I do when I finish the course?

Get real

6. Find a leaflet for your school or college, or a course at a college you are interested in. Compare it with the one you wrote. Can you improve either of them?

Text 5

Before you start

1. Ask other students in your class the questions below. If they answer yes, ask more questions.

Have you ever ...

• had an interview?

• filled in an application form?

• written to someone asking for information?

For example

– Have you ever had an interview?

– Yes, I have.

– What for? What happened?

Reading and Speaking

2. Read the text The course for you quickly and choose the correct answers to questions 1-3 below.

1. What is the leaflet about?

a. Engineering courses at Coalport Technical College

b. All courses at Coalport Technical College

2. What does the leaflet describe?

a. lots of courses

b. one course

3. How can you get more information?

a. by telephoning

b. by returning the form

3. Read the text again and match the people (A-E) below with a suitable course. One person isn't suitable for any of the courses.