Level 2 Diploma in Engineering

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Ashford College

Application Limits - You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Are you curious about how things work, enjoy problem-solving, or excited by robotics? Our Level 2 Diploma in Engineering is a practical way to turn your interests into technical skills. This two-year programme provides additional time to achieve a Level 2 in English and/or Maths, with additional trips, and employer engagement activities.

On this course, you’ll explore what a future career in engineering and manufacturing could look like. From designing circuits and programming robotics to machining components and working with digital technologies, you’ll build the skills and confidence employers value. This project-based course is designed to prepare you for a professional engineering environment. You’ll train in our purpose-built engineering workshop, using industry-standard machines and software to bring your projects to life. You’ll be supported throughout the course by expert tutors who will guide you through both the theory and practical elements. You’ll learn how to safely operate machinery and develop your skills using Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes, helping you grow in confidence as you progress. During the course, you'll study key modules including: • Health and safety • Tool skills and maintenance • Understanding the mechanical engineering environment • Customer service and communication You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in one of the following areas: • Machining • Engineering • Maintenance Alongside your studies, you’ll complete a tailored work experience placement with a leading industry specialist. Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result. To support your learning, the College has invested in advanced engineering facilities, including CNC machines, robotic arms, and dedicated CAD and design computer labs. These industry-focused spaces are designed to help you develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in the engineering industry.

You will learn through practical lessons in our state-of-the-art engineering workshop. Assessment will be through completing a portfolio of work, practical observations, online tests and an extended project.

This pathway gives you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and maths to a grade 4 or equivalent. Reaching this level will help you have more opportunities in the future, like getting a skilled job, an apprenticeship, or moving on to a Level 3 course. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grades 2 to 1, including English and maths at Level 1 or higher.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a strong foundation in engineering processes and safe machinery operation. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job however, this programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. Many of our learners have progressed to T Level Engineering courses and are now working within the Engineering industry. One T Level learner, Josh, reflected on his time at College commenting: "I'm really appreciative of the College and my tutor who supported me in gaining full-time employment in Manufacturing Engineering. I'm going to be working with the design process and with CAD. I'm really excited about the future and can't wait to see where this role takes me.”