What is a HNC?

Our Higher National Certificate Course

Completing your apprenticeship is a major achievement—but for many engineers, it’s only the beginning.

An Engineering HNC (Higher National Certificate) is a Level 4 qualification designed to build on the practical knowledge and experience gained during your apprenticeship. It provides deeper technical understanding, advanced engineering skills, and the confidence to take the next step in your career.

Whether you want to progress into senior engineering roles, improve your earning potential, or continue your professional development, an HNC can help you get there.

What is an Engineering HNC?

An Engineering HNC combines practical engineering knowledge with higher-level academic study. Over two years, you’ll develop advanced skills in areas such as:

  • Engineering design
  • Engineering mathematics
  • Engineering science
  • Technical problem solving
  • Project management

The qualification is widely recognised across the engineering industry and respected by employers.

What Can an HNC Do for Your Career?

Studying for an HNC can help you:

  • Progress into more senior engineering roles
  • Increase promotion opportunities
  • Improve technical and leadership skills
  • Strengthen your long-term career prospects
  • Prepare for further study such as an HND or degree

For employers, supporting staff through an HNC also means developing stronger in-house talent, improving capability, and investing in future business growth.

Why Start Now?

If you’re in your final year of your apprenticeship, now is the ideal time to plan your next step.

You’ve already built a strong foundation. An HNC allows you to continue that momentum and invest in your future.

We encourage apprentices to discuss HNC progression with their managers as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Course Payment Options

Flexible payment options are available.

Funding options include:

  • Employer sponsorship
  • Self-funding
  • Flexible payment arrangements

Whether your employer supports your progression or you choose to invest in yourself, this qualification can be a valuable step toward long-term career success.

Our next intake starts this September and places are limited.

PATHWAYS

HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS

The Engineering College offers a Bridging Course and Higher National Certificate (HNC) to advanced students who have completed a relevant Level 3 Qualification in Engineering, and want to further their skills by completing a HNC, to progress their career further.

Here’s a lowdown:

  • Bridging Course – 6 months access course to HNC in Engineering Maths and Science
  • Higher National Certificate – 2-year course in General Engineering with Mechanical and Electrical Principles
  • Higher Apprenticeship – 1-year course in ‘Automation and Controls Engineering Technician’ OR ‘Engineering Manufacturing Technician’ standard

Higher apprenticeships are the best combination of on-the-job and off-the-job training, empowering employees with the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the industry.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a higher apprenticeship, you need to be:

  • Aged 16 or over
  • Living in England
  • Not in full-time education

An apprenticeship is a real job, so you’ll also need to meet any other criteria set out by the employer. Entry requirements are different depending on the employer and the industry you’re going into.

If you don’t already have GCSEs in English and maths, you generally need to take Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship, which is an alternative to GCSEs.

Some employers may be looking for people who have taken relevant subjects or apprenticeships. For example, a lab-based apprenticeship may require a science A level.

To find out what level might suit you, look at our Apprenticeships and their entry requirements

EMPLOYERS

OUR PARTNERS