Katrina

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Katrina
Katrina was a post-16 learner who had always
enjoyed making things.from model aeroplanes
through to the photo frames that adorn her
bedroom. She had an inquisitive mind and a good
attitude, both of which contributed to a set of
outstanding GCSE results, especially in
mathematics, science and design technology. She
has enrolled on the Advanced Diploma in
engineering in the hope that it will lead to
employment and further training in the industry.
The course is challenging but this is one of the
things that appealed to Katrina. She is
particularly attracted to the manufacturing
aspects of the course as she thinks this is where
she will eventually progress to, although she
still has an open mind as to the way forward.
In her spare time Katrina plays hockey to a
good standard where she has a reputation as a
no-nonsense defender.
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Katrina Advanced Diploma in engineering
additional and/or specialist learning 360 GLH
generic learning 180 GLH
principal learning 540 GLH

• Investigating engineering business and the
  environment
• Applications of computer-aided designing
• Selection and application of engineering
  materials
• Instrumentation and control engineering
• Maintaining engineering plant, equipment and
  systems
• Investigating modern manufacturing techniques
  used in engineering
• Innovative design and enterprise
• Mathematical techniques and applications for
  engineers
• Principles and application of engineering science

Level 3 Certificate in process technology (360
GLH) It was suggested to Katrina that the
process technology course would complement her
Diploma and help if she wanted to progress
straight into employment.
3 x functional skills at level 2 (prerequisite)
extended project qualification (120 GLH)
10 days work experience
personal, learning and thinking skills (60 GLH)
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(work experience cont)
Extended Project
Work experience
Katrinas friend was taking a business studies
course, part of which included running a college
version of The Apprentice. Katrina decided to
enter and set about designing a lightweight gum
shield that could be used by her hockey team. The
ones they were using at present were
uncomfortable, cumbersome and expensive. She
made a prototype model out of plaster, supported
with detailed plans of the materials and
manufacturing techniques that would be needed to
produce a real version. Katrina also projected
the costs associated with commercial production
of the gum shield. She came second and found
the experience valuable and stimulating.
Katrina spent her work experience with an
organisation that manufactured a range of plastic
and polymer products. She learnt about the
complexity of the equipment in the plant and the
role computer technology played in the design and
production process by creating a version of the
gum shield from her extended project. Katrina was
seconded to the Personal Protective Equipment
Division which produced a range of products for
the police, including batons and riot shields.
She was involved in the redesign and testing of
limb protectors which were found to be
restricting officers movement and had the
confidence to put forward suggestions to the
technicians working on the project. These
suggestions included the use of alternative
materials and reducing the area of limb the
protectors covered.
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