Study routes into PEMD
A-levels, apprenticeships, FE college and university degrees. Which one is best for me?
Exploring a career in Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) offers exciting possibilities. But it’s important to know that there isn’t just one path to follow. Now, more than ever, there are alternative routes and qualifications available.
The three main pathways to consider, after you've completed your GCSEs:
- Pursue an apprenticeship while working
- Study at a Further Education (FE) College
- Sixth form and then University
If you choose to study engineering, you'll need A-levels in Maths and/or Physics.
Which route do I choose?
One pathway isn’t inherently better than any other. Each route has its own unique approach, structure and experience.
What matters is finding the approach that aligns with your personal preferences, learning style and career aspirations. You should consider:
- your preferred learning environment
- practical experience opportunities
- the balance between academic knowledge and hands-on skills
There are a range of flexible study routes that can lead you into a PEMD career. Allowing you to change according to your choices or personal circumstances.
- Demand: Electrification strategies are creating a surge in demand for professionals trained in the latest PEMD technologies. The industry needs experts who can develop and maintain systems for electric vehicles, energy generation and distribution, and related component manufacturing.
- Rapidly emerging engineering discipline: The demand for new and emerging products, brought about by electrification, is continuing to grow. Because of this, so is the demand for professionals in PEMD. The role of PEMD in today's world is becoming increasingly important.
- Net zero and global sustainability: By pursuing a career in PEMD, you’ll be making a significant contribution to reaching net zero and driving the economic growth of the North East of England. You’ll be playing an important role in helping reduce carbon emissions. It’s a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.
Without experts in PEMD, it'll be difficult to reach the ambitious net zero objectives set for 2030 and beyond.
Apprenticeships
An electrical engineering apprenticeship is a hands-on and work-based route into your future PEMD career. You’ll earn as you learn and gain the qualifications and skills to become an electrical engineer.
As an apprentice, at least 20% of your working hours are spent on training. Your training might happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time. The training will take place at:
- your place of work
- a college, training provider or university
The cost of the course will be covered by the government and your employer.
Eligibility for an apprenticeship
Applicants must be working in the engineering sector in a role which provides sufficient work-based learning scope to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviour expected by the Apprenticeship Standard.
Compare apprenticeships
Compare the requirements and equivalent educational degrees to an apprenticeship alternative.
Level 2
Equivalent education level: GCSE
Qualifications needed: None. Some employers, and training providers, may require a minimum of two GCSEs.
Typical length: 12 – 18 months
Level 3
Professional recognition: Engineering Technician Specialist
Equivalent education level: A-levels
Qualifications needed:
- Five GCSEs grade 4+ or equivalent
OR - Completed an intermediate apprenticeship
Typical length: 24 months
Level 4 – 7
Professional recognition:
- Level 4 – 5: Engineering Technician Specialist
- Level 6: Incorporated Engineer
- Level 7: Chartered Engineer
Equivalent education level: Foundation degree and above
Qualifications needed:
- Two A-levels or equivalent in relevant subjects
OR - Completed advanced Apprenticeship
Typical length: 3 – 5 years
Level 6 – 7
Professional recognition:
- Level 6: Incorporated Engineer
- Level 7: Chartered Engineer
Equivalent education level: Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree
Qualifications needed: Two A-levels or equivalent in relevant subjects
Typical length: 3 – 7 years
FE college
After GCSE exams, if you want to continue studying full-time, you have three options.
School: Many schools often have their own sixth form. They offer courses specifically designed to build upon GCSE studies, such as A-levels and equivalent qualifications.
Sixth-form college: Another option is to transition to a sixth-form college. These colleges typically offer more freedom, independence, and a wider range of courses compared to school sixth form.
Further Education (FE) colleges: Alternatively, FE colleges provide a wider range of courses at different levels. They also offer a unique learning environment, compared to sixth-form colleges. FE colleges also offer specialised vocational resources for your field of study.
This makes them an excellent choice for students with a keen interest in a particular field.
These are aimed at developing confidence and introducing a subject.
Level 1 qualifications include:
- NVQ Level 1
- BTEC Introductory Certificates
- OCR Nationals
Equivalent to:
- GCSE grades 1 – 3
- Traineeship
These are intended to give a greater understanding of a subject.
Level 2 qualifications include:
- BTEC Level 2
- NVQ Level 2
Equivalent to:
- GCSEs at grades 4 – 9
- Intermediate apprenticeship
These qualifications are often seen as a viable alternative to A-levels if you know what career you want to pursue. They can often be completed in school, sixth form or at an FE College.
Level 3 qualifications include:
- BTEC Level 3
- NVQ Level 3
- T-Levels
Equivalent to:
- A-levels
- Advanced apprenticeship
Professional recognition: Engineering Technician Specialist
These qualifications are also available at some FE colleges:
- BTEC
- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- foundation degrees
- honours degrees
Equivalent to: Higher apprenticeship
Professional recognition:
- Level 4 – 5: Engineering Technician Specialist
- Level 6: Incorporated Engineer
University
For many students, with good GCSE and A-level grades, going to university can feel like the natural next step.
It's important that you've picked the appropriate subjects to prepare you for studying engineering.
You'll need:
- A-levels (or equivalent) in Maths and / Physics
It's also useful to have:
- Further maths
- Design technology
PEMD related course modules usually include:
- Power Electronics
- Electric Drives
- Design of Electrical Machines
- Automation and Control
- Control Systems
- Power Semiconductor Devices
Undergraduate, or Bachelor's degrees, are a level 6 qualification which needs to be completed at University or a Higher Education institute.
Equivalent to:
- Degree apprenticeships
- Graduate schemes
Professional recognition: Incorporated Engineer
Postgraduate and Master’s degrees are level 7 qualifications. These are completed at a Higher Education institute or at University.
Equivalent to:
- Degree apprenticeships
- Graduate schemes
Professional recognition: Chartered Engineer
A PhD, Doctorate or research degree is equal to a level 8 qualification. More often than not, you'll need to study a postgraduate research degree at University to receive your PhD qualification.
Professional recognition: Chartered Engineer
Electrical and Electronic Engineering degrees
Undergraduate: How to apply
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Postgraduate: How to apply
We've created some helpful hints and tips that can help your postgraduate application. Once you're ready to apply, we have resources available to guide you through the process.