News

A Modern Subject for a Modern World

Engineering is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after and forward-thinking subjects among students preparing for the modern workforce. As industries evolve with advancements in technology, automation, and sustainability, the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow. At The Westwood Academy, the introduction of Engineering as a Sixth Form subject reflects this trend, offering students the chance to develop real-world skills in a high-tech, hands-on environment. Combining elements of mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering with design and project management, the course is perfectly aligned with the needs of today’s employers and the challenges of tomorrow’s industries.

Engineering the Future: Meeting National Demand Through Education

The launch of Engineering as a new Sixth Form subject at The Westwood Academy comes at a time when engineers are among the most in-demand professionals in the UK. Recent figures show that engineering and technology roles account for nearly 20% of all employment, with over 6.3 million people working in the sector. Employers are facing a nationwide skills shortage, with 77% reporting difficulty in finding qualified candidates and projections indicating the UK will need around 59,000 new engineers each year to meet future demand. Engineering jobs now make up 25% of all job adverts, and green engineering roles have surged by 55% as the country moves toward a net-zero future. With salaries averaging 30% higher than the national average and strong progression routes into university, apprenticeships, and industry, Engineering at The Westwood Academy offers students a direct pathway into one of the most critical and future-proof careers available today.

Engineering at A-Level: Practical, Technical, and Industry-Ready

The new Engineering course at The Westwood Academy is delivered as an OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A-Levels, and is designed to immerse students in a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines. The curriculum spans mechanical, electrical, electronic, and design engineering, offering an in-depth and practical learning experience. Across the two-year programme, students engage in hands-on units such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), automation control and robotics, mechanical operations, and systems programming, alongside theoretical modules like materials science, mathematics for engineering, and project management. With 83% of assessment based on external exams and 17% on coursework, the course is both rigorous and applied, helping learners develop problem-solving, teamwork, and industry-relevant skills. Endorsed by major employers including Siemens, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems, this qualification not only supports progression into university and degree apprenticeships but also equips students directly for careers in the UK's high-demand engineering sector