Diplomas are brand new qualifications for young people that will provide a broad programme of work-related and other learning, backed-up by essential skills. They are being designed to provide an exciting, stretching and relevant curriculum for pupils and will offer a real alternative to traditional learning.

Joanna Woolf said, “It’s clear that in order for the UK to prosper, it needs to produce good engineers, scientists and technologists. These exciting new qualifications will show what engineering and manufacturing  are really all about, and we hope young people will be much more inspired to take up careers in these critically important areas.”

The diplomas are the centrepiece of the government’s 14-19 reforms, which will increase choice for young people, allowing them to learn in an exciting new way. These new qualifications will combine theoretical study with applied, practical learning, engaging young people and providing them with skills that employers and HE will value.

Traditional GCSEs and A levels will continue alongside the diplomas. This should ensure that every young person has access to an education or training programme which they are interested in, and which gives them skills to help them excel in their future.

Greater focus will also be put on the functional skills needed in daily life. New qualifications in English, maths and ICT will be an integral part of the diplomas and, in time, be integrated with GCSEs.

Employer-led

Employers are leading the development of the diplomas through Cogent and they have a crucial role to play in success of the diplomas. Student will undertake a minimum of 10 days' work experience. Ideally, the work experience will take place in a work place that relates to the young person’s diploma course.

At an Engineering Diploma event in May a representative of Dyson presented on the company’s approach.

Click here for the presentation.        Click here for employer guidance on working with schools and colleges.

In March, Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson and Schools Minister Jim Knight announced that 6887 places on the Engineering Diploma which will be available for young people from September 2008 in 97 local authority areas in England.

The Manufacturing Diploma goes live in 2009.

www.engineeringdiploma.com        www.manufacturingdiploma.com

For specific enquiries about the diplomas people can email QCA or ring 0870 000 2288.

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