Engineering
Engineering Machining Skills
Campus Midlothian Campus
Qualification No Qualification
Study mode Evening
Start date
Feb 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This practical, hands-on course introduces you to the equipment and techniques used in engineering workshops. Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn how to work safely and confidently with key machine tools such as metalworking lathes and milling machines. Each session focuses on building your skills through guided demonstrations and supervised practice.
You’ll start with the basics: understanding the machines, setting them up, choosing the right tools and measuring your work accurately. As the weeks progress, you can take on small projects that let you apply what you’ve learned, from simple turning and facing operations on the lathe to basic milling tasks and precision finishing. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid introduction to machining techniques and the confidence to continue developing your abilities in a workshop setting.
What you will learn
- Safe operation of lathes and milling machines
- How to set up and use each machine for basic machining tasks
- Tool selection, measurement and accurate marking out
- Turning, facing and simple milling operations
- How to plan and complete small machining projects
You are expected to provide your own coveralls, safety footwear and safety glasses.
How the course is assessed
- No formal assessments
Number of days per week
- Runs as a 12-week block on Tuesday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Entry requirements
- No formal experience required
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Midlothian Campus | Evening | 24/02/26 |
