Design and Technology Revision — Open College Network Northern Ireland Vocationally-Related Qualification
Complete Open College Network Northern Ireland Vocationally-Related Qualification Design and Technology specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Precast Concrete Stair Detailing
- Metal Inert Gas Welding
- Repair and Maintenance of Electrical / Electronic Equipment
- Repair and Maintenance of Mechanical Equipment
- Health and Safety in Practice
- Using Hand Tools
- 2D Computer Aided Design for Concrete Construction Detailing
- Using Power Tools
- Using Sheet Metal Machines
- Precast Concrete Hollowcore Slab Detailing
- Using a Pillar/Magnetic Drilling Machine
- Using a Plasma Cutter
- Communication Skills for Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Theory for Engineering
Top Exam Board Tips
- Practice using CAD layers and standard symbols.
- Check for consistency between plan, section, and elevation views.
- Understand how details translate to production (e.g., moulds).
- Always check equipment before starting.
- Practice on scrap material first.
- Maintain a consistent travel speed and stick-out.
- Always narrate your safety checks aloud during practical assessments to make your reasoning visible to assessors.
- Structure your written work using the provided template: Preparation, Fault Finding, Repair Action, Testing, and Completion – tick off each stage as done.
- Use clear, annotated photographs or diagrams in your portfolio to evidence key steps like voltage measurements or component replacement.
- Remember that ‘completion’ includes leaving the work area tidy, returning tools, and completing all paperwork – these are often overlooked but attract easy marks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrectly dimensioning treads and risers.
- Forgetting to include reinforcement details.
- Not coordinating with other building elements (e.g., landings).
- Incorrect wire feed speed or voltage settings.
- Poor gun angle or travel speed leading to defects.
- Neglecting to check gas flow or using wrong gas.
- Failing to verify that equipment is fully isolated from the supply before opening covers, leading to potential electric shock risk.
- Misinterpreting multimeter readings or using incorrect ranges, resulting in wrong fault diagnosis or damage to the meter.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- Understand the design requirements of precast concrete stairs., Be able to produce 2D CAD construction details., Use a production software package., Be able to publish information from 2D CAD files for production.
- Understand the key features of MIG welding equipment., Know the issues associated with working with MIG welding equipment and associated consumables., Be able to set up MIG welding equipment and associated consumables., Be able to weld., Be able to clean up worksite.
- Be able to demonstrate good health and safety practice when working with electrical and electronic equipment., Prepare before undertaking work., Carry out maintenance and / or repair of electrical and electronic equipment., Complete maintenance and / or repair of electrical and electronic equipment.
- Be able to demonstrate good health and safety practice when working with mechanical equipment., Prepare before undertaking work., Carry out maintenance and / or repair of mechanical equipment., Complete maintenance and / or repair of mechanical equipment.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe working procedures
- Legislative requirements and workplace policies
- Emergency response and incident reporting
- Know about health and safety requirements, procedures and equipment in a practical environment., Be able to follow and manage safe working practices.
- Be able to maintain and store hand tools., Be able to use measuring equipment., Be able to use hand tools., Be able to work safely when using tools and equipment.
- Understand the range of precast products produced by concrete manufacturing., Understand safe working practices in relation to CAD software and Health & Safety Regulations., Be able to produce 2D CAD construction details., Be able to publish information from 2D CAD files.
- Be able to maintain and store power tools., Be able to use measuring equipment., Be able to use power tools., Be able to work safely when using tools and equipment.
- Understand the key features of a range of sheet metal machines., Know the issues associated with working with sheet metal materials., Be able to set up a range of sheet metal machines., Be able to use a range of sheet metal machines., Be able to clean up worksite.
- Understand the design requirements of precast concrete hollowcore slabs., Be able to produce 2D CAD construction details., Use a design calculation software package., Be able to publish information from 2D CAD files for production.