The manufacturing sector needs to recruit thousands of apprentices and skilled employees into the workplace.

The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design is an employer led qualification that will be available for all 14-19 year olds in England. It's been designed to stimulate interest in a what could become an exciting career for the young people who pursue study in this area. The content has been shaped by employers to meet the needs of the sector, in partnership with education.

 We now need employer help to support schools and colleges in the uptake and delivery of this new and exciting qualification from September 2009.

 We are in the process of creating a toolkit for schools which will contain:

• Materials to promote the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design.
• Materials to highlight what it’s actually like to work in the ‘modern manufacturing’ environment.
• Materials to rebut the negative perceptions of working in manufacturing.

 We are looking for help from employers in supplying: 

• Case study materials – an example of a product process or an individual working in manufacturing (we are happy to write-up such case studies);
• interactive DVDs;
• employer quotes endorsing the Diploma;
• existing schools challenges/competitions (i.e. highlighting the opportunities for young people to get involved in industry);
• publications;
• images of young people working in manufacturing environments;

If you think you can help us boost interest in your sector and the Diploma, email judith.cowan@cogent-ssc.com

A simple quote of support would be a good start – and any other materials would help us get this new qualification off the ground.

www.manufacturingdiploma.com