In a rapidly evolving economy, the success of any business is tied directly to the strength of its workforce. Employers across Northamptonshire are under increasing pressure to adapt to technological change, digital transformation and the rising demand for highly skilled professionals. To stay ahead, investment in staff development is no longer optional – it’s essential.
Northampton College’s part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses in Engineering, which get under way for the new academic year in October, are the perfect solution for businesses operating in this cornerstone industry within the county’s economy.
Designed with businesses in mind, these qualifications give employers the opportunity to upskill their staff in areas that will directly impact productivity, efficiency and long-term growth.
Jason Lancaster, principal of Northampton College, said: “From advanced manufacturing to digital infrastructure, Northamptonshire businesses are facing a critical skills shortage. Engineering sits at the heart of this challenge. Skilled technicians and managers are needed not only to keep operations running smoothly but also to innovate and seize opportunities in fast-changing markets.
“By enrolling staff onto part-time HNC/D programmes, employers can help their teams develop advanced technical knowledge alongside essential problem-solving and critical thinking skills, resulting in confident, capable professionals who can apply new ideas directly to workplace challenges.
“One of the biggest barriers to training is time. Businesses cannot afford to lose key staff to long study breaks, while employees often struggle to balance professional development with full-time roles. We’ve designed our HNC/Ds to overcome exactly this issue – meaning companies and employees can reap the rewards of our culture of excellence quickly and efficiently.”
Delivered on a part-time basis, the programmes are structured to minimise disruption and maximise relevance. Students are encouraged to apply classroom learning directly to real workplace situations, embedding knowledge and demonstrating value from day one. Businesses will benefit immediately from the skills their employees are acquiring, while learners remain motivated by seeing the practical impact of their studies.
The qualifications provide employers with a practical and affordable way to build the skills they need to stay competitive, while Northampton College has invested almost £500,000 in new equipment and resources to ensure students are equipped with the latest technology as they prepare for their future careers.
The investment has allowed significant upgrades across advanced machining, manufacturing, mechatronics, and electrical and electronic systems. The newly enhanced mechatronics facilities feature state-of-the-art microprocessors, controllers, and robotic arms integrated with electro, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
These allow students and apprentices to gain hands-on experience designing and controlling everything from simple conveyor belts to complex Industry 4.0 systems, where machines communicate and collaborate autonomously.
In addition, the Engineering workshop has been fitted with a new CNC machining section, including a Haas CNC Milling Centre and a Haas CNC Turning Centre. These precision tools will enable students to programme and operate complex systems for high-specification manufacturing.
Northampton College has a long-standing reputation for working closely with local employers, ensuring training provision is aligned with business needs. By expanding its higher-level offering, the college is giving Northamptonshire companies the tools they need to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy.
For employers, this is an opportunity to future-proof their organisations by building a workforce that is not only technically proficient but also adaptable, innovative and ready for the challenges ahead.
Businesses across the county are being encouraged to explore how these programmes could unlock the potential within their teams.
Fnd out more about part-time HNC/Ds in Engineering.
