Northampton College
Engineering courses to future-proof county businesses
In a rapidly evolving economy, the success of any business is tied directly to the strength of its workforce. Employers across Northamptonshire are under increasing pressure to adapt to tech- nological change, digital transformation and the rising demand for highly skilled professionals. To stay ahead, investment in staff development is no longer optional – it’s essential. Northampton College’s part-time Higher National Certifi cate
(HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in Engineering, which get under way for the new academic year in October, are the perfect solution for businesses operating in this cornerstone industry within the county’s economy. Designed with businesses in mind, these qualifi cations give
employers the opportunity to upskill their staff in areas that will directly impact productivity, effi ciency and long-term growth. Jason Lancaster, principal of Northampton College, said: “From
advanced manufacturing to digital infrastructure, Northamptonshire businesses are facing a critical skills shortage. Engineering sits at the heart of this challenge. Skilled technicians and managers are needed not only to keep operations running smoothly but also to innovate and seize opportunities in fast-changing markets. “By enrolling staff onto part-time HNC/D programmes,
employers can help their teams develop advanced technical knowledge alongside essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills, resulting in confi dent, capable professionals who can apply new ideas directly to workplace challenges. “One of the biggest barriers to training is time. Businesses cannot
aff ord to lose key staff to long study breaks, while employees often struggle to balance professional development with full-time roles. We’ve designed our HNC/Ds to overcome exactly this issue – meaning companies and employees can reap the rewards of our culture of excellence quickly and effi ciently.” Delivered on a part-time basis, the programmes are structured
to minimise disruption and maximise relevance. Students are encouraged to apply classroom learning directly to real workplace situations, embedding knowledge and demonstrating value from day one. Businesses will benefi t immediately from the skills their employees are acquiring, while learners remain motivated by seeing the practical impact of their studies. The qualifications provide employers with a practical and
aff ordable way to build the skills they need to stay competitive, while Northampton College has invested almost £500,000 in new equipment and resources to ensure students are equipped with the latest technology as they prepare for their future careers. The investment has allowed significant upgrades across
advanced machining, manufacturing, mechatronics, and electrical and electronic systems. T e newly enhanced mechatronics facilities feature state-of-the-art microprocessors, controllers, and robotic arms integrated with electro, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
These allow students and apprentices to gain hands-on
experience designing and controlling everything from simple conveyor belts to complex Industry 4.0 systems, where machines communicate and collaborate autonomously. In addition, the Engineering workshop has been fi tted with a new CNC machining section, including a Haas CNC Milling Centre and a Haas CNC Turning Centre. T ese precision tools will enable students to programme and operate complex systems for high- specifi cation manufacturing. Northampton College has a long-standing reputation for working
closely with local employers, ensuring training provision is aligned with business needs. By expanding its higher-level off ering, the college is giving Northamptonshire companies the tools they need to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy. For employers, this is an opportunity to future-proof their
organisations by building a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable, innovative and ready for the challenges ahead. Businesses across the county are being encouraged to explore how these programmes could unlock the potential within their teams.
To fi nd out more about part-time HNC/Ds in Engineering, visit
www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/ university-level
ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 60
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
