ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Read more
Course overview
Build your engineering future while strengthening your English skills.
Engineering with ESOL is a 12-week integrated programme designed for learners whose first language is not English and who want to access technical engineering career pathways.
This short, full-time course combines tailored ESOL learning with practical engineering training, helping you develop the language, confidence and technical understanding needed for further study, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles within engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Over 12 weeks (3 days per week), you’ll study English in real engineering contexts — learning the technical vocabulary, safety language, and communication skills required in engineering workplaces. At the same time, you’ll gain practical knowledge aligned to SCQF Level 4/5 engineering content, helping you understand core technical principles and workplace expectations.
By reducing language barriers and building practical skills together, the course opens clear progression routes into engineering study, apprenticeships, or employment, supporting long-term integration into Scotland’s engineering workforce.
This course is ideal if you:
- Speak English as a second language and want to enter the engineering sector
- Hold ESOL National 4 or Intermediate B1
- Are interested in apprenticeships or technical engineering roles
- Want to build confidence using English in a workplace setting
- Would like a short, focused programme to prepare for further study or employment
What you will learn
This course helps you build your English and practical engineering skills together, giving you the confidence to take your next step into apprenticeships, further study, or employment.
- Engineering-Specific English Language Skills - You’ll develop the English language skills needed to succeed in engineering environments. This includes learning technical vocabulary, understanding workplace instructions, using safety terminology correctly, and communicating clearly with supervisors and colleagues. You’ll practise speaking, listening, reading and writing in real engineering contexts so that language is no longer a barrier to progression.
- Applied Engineering Knowledge (SCQF Level 4/5) - Alongside language development, you’ll gain practical engineering knowledge aligned to SCQF Level 4/5. You’ll explore core technical concepts through applied tasks and real-world examples, helping you understand how engineering principles are used in manufacturing and technical workplaces.
- Workplace Communication & Technical Understanding - You’ll practise following technical drawings and instructions, asking clarification questions, reporting issues clearly, and working as part of a team. This builds confidence in participating fully in training, apprenticeships, or employment.
- Health, Safety & Professional Standards - You’ll learn the language and expectations linked to safe working practices in engineering settings, ensuring you can understand and follow workplace procedures confidently.
- Employability & Progression Planning - The course includes guidance on engineering career pathways, including apprenticeships, further college study, and entry-level technical roles. You’ll gain an understanding of how the Scottish engineering and manufacturing sector operates and what employers expect.
- Confidence & Integration into the Engineering Workforce - By combining ESOL with technical learning, you’ll build the confidence to participate in training, apply for apprenticeships, and enter the engineering workforce with stronger communication and practical skills.
Entry requirements
✅ ESOL National 4 / Intermediate (B1) or equivalent
No prior engineering qualification is needed, but an interest in engineering or manufacturing is required.
Career Opportunities
This course can support progression towards roles such as:
⚙️ Engineering Apprentice
🏭 Manufacturing or Production Operative
🔧 Engineering or Maintenance Assistant
📏 Workshop or Technical Support Assistant
⚡ Entry-Level Electrical or Mechanical Roles
Future prospects
On successful completion, you can progress to:
- Engineering apprenticeships
- Further engineering study at SCQF Level 4/5 or above
- Entry-level technical or engineering roles
- Additional ESOL or employability support, where required
The programme provides structured progression guidance to support your transition into apprenticeships, further education, or employment.
