Frequently Asked Questions

Some more helpful information !

We have compiled a list of helpful questions and answers. In addition you can ask your own questions via the form at the bottom of the page and we will add them to the list.

Q1. Can anybody do this course?

A1.  Applications for our study programme are open to technically minded people, with a real interest in electronics. It would help if you are a logical thinker, with attention to detail and a preference for systemic working.

To be accepted onto the programme there are a number of eligibility criteria:

1. All participants need to be age 19 or over at the start of the course
2. One one Skills Bootcamp can be undertaken per year
3. Some courses have residency restrictions (i.e. you must be resident in Lancashire), please check carefully
4. Participants need to have been resident in the UK for 3 years at the start of the course. There are some residency exceptions. Please click here for more details.

Q2. When does it start and finish?

A2. We are currently planning a rolling programme of courses start/end dates will be announced once they have been finalised. Please check our Programmes page for more details.

Q3. Do you get any qualification if you finish the course?

A3. In addition to a Tech Lancaster programme completion certificate, you will get a globally recognised IPC certification which is a credential provided by IPC to individuals in the electronics industry (administered by licensed IPC training centres). The certification confirms a person’s knowledge of IPC standards and the ability to apply this knowledge to everyday manufacturing principals of printed circuit board applications.  We will also send your details to the Department of Education to allow this to be taken into account if participants apply for further learning such as an apprenticeship.

Q4. Is it assessed, how do you pass?

A4. Depending on the level being undertaken, the programme will be assessed by a combination of online quiz, lab based assessment and interview.

Q5. Do I have to sit an exam?

A5. No.  This is a top up skills programme and is not replacement for formal learning.  We intend to make this programme as practically focused as possible, and any assessment will be more focused on practical skills than written skills. There will be a number of quiz questions which we will use to assist our evaluation of participants but this is to help provide the most effective support.

Q6. Do I need a computer?

A6. No a handheld tablet will also work, but you may find a larger screen more comfortable.  If you are unable to access a computer or tablet easily please get in touch with us for assistance.

Q7. Is the course free?

A7. The course is free of charge. However, you will need to pay your own transport costs and other associated expenses, to attend the workshops, which will likely be held in Lancaster, but also may be held in other areas. Some participants on low incomes and unemployed may qualify for travel cost assistance – please get in touch for details.

Q8. What type of qualifications do I need?

A8. You do not need any formal qualifications, just experience in a technical area.  If you have engineering related qualifications you will find these useful for progressing your career in electronics.

Q9. Is it modular learning?

A9. Yes.  The online learning is modular instructor supported self paced learning.  The workshops will be modular depending on the skill and ability level of participants.

Q10. Is there more than one level?

A10.  Yes there is 3 different skill levels, from complete beginner in the electronics sector to experienced practitioner.

Q11. Will this help me get a job?
A11. If you complete the course you may be offered an interview from a local employer in the electronics sector.  It will depend on your chosen area of work, skill level and specific interests as to who may offer an interview.  You will be able to express a preference at the end of the course.

Q12. What’s involved in the practical work?

A12. We want all participants to learn the practical skills needed to successfully undertake roles at all levels in the electronics sector.  This will include soldering (both through hole and surface mount soldering), simple wiring, use of basic tools and instrumentation, and using drawings and schematics.  A number of different workshops targeted depending on skill levels and job roles will be run and participants will be allocated to workshops based on skill levels and interests.

Q13 Where do the practical workshops happen?

A13. Virtual workshops happen throughout the course and will be run online using our Tech Lancaster electronics kit. In-person workshops run towards the end of the course and will be run in locations around England. Check our Programmes page for more details.

Q14 What types of job roles are available ?

A14. Our electech industries employ people in a number of different job roles. Learn more about some common ones via our case studies here. 

Q15 What is the time commitment of the course ?

A15. The course consists of two elements: a) an interactive self paced online training “MOOC” programme, followed by b) practical workshop based sessions. For the first part of the course, whilst we recommend to allow 15 hours a week for the training, this may vary between different abilities. As the online training is self paced, it is entirely up to the participant as to when and how they dedicate time to the programme. For the practical workshops these will be fixed times and dependent on numbers and where possible we will be flexible to participants needs as best we can.

Q16 Why do you need my personal data ?

A16. We’re collecting personal data on applicants, candidates and participants to help effectively administer the programme to support UK Government Department for Education (DfE) with the evaluation of the programme. We only collect information which is necessary for these purposes.

Q17 What will you be doing with my personal data ?

A17. We will be collecting your personal data and providing it to the DfE who will then then link this to administrative data government holds on tax and benefits to evaluate the impact of skills bootcamps has on earnings and employment over a number of years. This is to test if the programme is effective, provides value for money and to improve service provision. Identifying details will be removed in the process and no individual details will be made public. This is to evaluate the bootcamps programme overall. The DfE may also contact you to participate in surveys or interviews about your experience with the programme. Participation is voluntary.

For further information on privacy and personal data – please view our privacy statement.

Last updated: 09 Aug 2023

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