Manufacturing Diploma

What is a Diploma?

A Diploma is a new and exciting qualification aimed at providing young people between the ages of 14-19, with the skills and knowledge they need to gain a job in UK industry.

There will be 14 Diplomas, launching across schools in England from 2008. The first five to be launched are:

• Construction and the Built Environment
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Creative and Media
• Social, Health and Development.

The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will roll out in schools from 2009, along with:

• Environment and Land Based Studies
• Hair and Beauty
• Hospitality and Catering
• Business, Administration and Finance.

The final four lines will be available from September 2010, which are:

• Retail
• Sport and Leisure
• Travel and Tourism
• Public Services

These qualifications will run in parallel with the traditional GCSE/A-Level and Apprenticeship routes and will consist of a new formula of blended learning – consisting of academic study and applied learning. Each qualification will provide young people with the practical skills and the theoretical and technical knowledge they require to progress into employment, training or further and higher education.

What makes the Diploma special?

Diplomas are unique because:

• Employers and wider industry have been placed at the forefront of the design and development of the Diploma content and structure. This provides learners with the skills and knowledge identified as most required by employers.

• The qualification also consists of a more flexible style of learning combining academic study with opportunities to practice skills.

• The Diploma will appeal to young people who wish to stay in full-time education but want to gain some real experience of employment before deciding on a career.

• Finally, the qualification does not limit the future progression of students. They can move into Further or Higher Education, Employment or an Apprenticeship in one of the Manufacturing sub-sectors.