What is Tech Lancaster?
Tech Lancaster is an industry-led organisation that was formed to address the skills gap in the electronics sector, and to support and strengthen the skills of those already working in the industry.
What are Skills Bootcamps?
Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer. Skills Bootcamps are being delivered in partnership with employers, further education training providers, and local government. The training and support available are aligned with the local and national demand for skills, ensuring that people have a direct line of sight to a job and support people to get skills for life.
What’s Included?
- Introductory modules
- Health and Safety Introduction and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
- Electronics fundamentals
- Certification week
- Electronic circuit analysis
- Understanding tools and equipment
- Electronic Data Sheets and Schematics
- CV & Life Skills Activities
- Breadboarding and Prototyping
What will I learn?
- General Electronics and ElecTech – help develop a theoretical and practical understanding of electronics and ElecTech through online learning and practical workshops including an understanding of the industry, job types, electronics fundamentals, use cases/applications, components, drawings/schematics, tools/test equipment, anti-static precautions, and health and safety. More advanced modules include further circuit theory, fault finding, simulation, Arduino technology, component specifications, and a variety of other useful skills. In the lab/workshops, you undertake IPC soldering and rework training, breadboarding, and Arduino prototyping.
There are also specialist course modules in:
- Power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD) – technology crucial for net zero jobs supporting the electrification of transport including generators, motors, inverters, actuators/drives, batteries, and associated technologies. You can visit a dedicated Tech Lancaster site explaining more about PEMD.
- Internet of Things – hardware tech to help us reach the fourth industrial revolution, with areas of learning including sensors, actuators, radio communications, software, and similar areas.
- Cyber Hardware – learning advanced Electech skills to help create secure and robust tech products that can be securely manufactured, provisioned, and remotely maintained during use. We will also explore hardware analysis and pen testing.
The Course Structure:
The course spans 12 weeks, combining both online learning and in-person workshop experiences. The completion of level 1 is mandatory, as this is where you’ll learn the core aspects of ElecTech, so you will need this to finish the course and become eligible for an interview. Levels 2 and 3 are optional and ideal for people looking to upskill.
Basic Electronics – Online Course
- 8 Weeks self-paced
- 3 short modules (Digital skills, H&S Electrostatic Discharge)
- 4 long modules (Assembly & Manufacturing, Introduction to Electronics Principles, Drawings, and Schematics, Tools & Test Equipment)
Lab/workshop-based training
4 weeks of practicals– 1 mandatory 1PC certification week and optional drop-in workshop sessions.
- Practical soldering and rework
- Basic circuit fundamentals with electronics kits and Arduinos
- Bespoke workshops depending on candidates’ skill levels and interests
- Globally recognised electronics industry IPC certification
- Interview skills
On completion of the course, all participants are guaranteed an interview and will continue to receive support with entry into the electronics job market, further education, or self-employment opportunities when appropriate.
You can find out more here https://www.tech-lancaster.org.uk/programme/