Build your mechanical engineering knowledge while continuing to work in industry.
The HNC Mechanical Engineering (Day Release) course is designed for those who are already employed, apprenticed, or gaining hands-on experience in engineering and want to strengthen their technical knowledge alongside their job. Delivered over two years on a day-release basis (1 day per week) at our Springburn Campus, this course allows you to develop essential engineering skills without stepping away from employment.
You’ll study the core principles of mechanical engineering, focusing on how theory is applied in real industrial and manufacturing environments. Learning combines classroom-based study with CAD and laboratory work in our purpose-built Innovation Engineering Lab, helping you link what you learn directly to the work you do on site or in the workshop.
Taught by experienced lecturers with strong industry connections, the course supports you to build confidence in engineering maths, design, materials, and systems — strengthening your ability to solve problems, communicate technical ideas, and progress professionally.
Whether you’re looking to move into a more technical role, support an apprenticeship, or prepare for progression to HND or degree-level study, this day-release HNC provides a flexible and practical route to the next stage of your engineering career.
This course is ideal if you:
You’ll gain a strong grounding in both the theoretical and practical elements of mechanical engineering. The course develops your analytical, design, and technical problem-solving abilities.
Core Topics Include:
Applicants should have one of the following:
✅ Higher Maths or a relevant Science subject (preferably Physics), OR
✅ Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering, OR
✅ Access STEM or Access Engineering qualification, OR
✅ Relevant experience or alternative qualifications (considered on an individual basis).
Additional Requirements:
Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
This qualification prepares you for a range of early-career roles in the engineering and manufacturing industries, including:
⚙️ Junior Mechanical Technician
🏭 Engineering Apprentice
🧰 Maintenance or Manufacturing Technician
💡 CAD Design Assistant
📏 Quality Control or Testing Assistant
Graduates often move directly into employment or combine part-time work with further study.
On successful completion, you can progress to:
We have strong progression links with universities across the west of Scotland, giving you clear routes to degree-level study and professional registration.
The best parts about the course we’re always the hands on parts, and the lectures abilities to relate the theories learned in classrooms to physical aspects in the workshops.
