Manufacturing Diploma

Diploma Structure and Content

Diplomas are available at three levels.

Foundation Diploma in Manuafacturing and Product Design (ages 14-16) will be broadly comparable, in terms of average length of study, to a programme of four to five GCSEs. This will provide students with the opportunity to explore the full range of manufacturing sub-sectors. Students will benefit from an introduction to the manufacturing sub-sectors with the emphasis on building basic skills in terms of industry knowledge and the application of practical skills generic to manufacturing.

Higher Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (ages 14-16 or 16-18) is broadly comparable, in terms of average length of study, to a programme of five to six GCSEs. Students will be encouraged to further explore a range of practical skills and to develop a broad underpinning knowledge of manufacturing practices and processes. The student will gain experience in a wide range of transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. The student will also develop basic practical skills to apply their learning.

Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (ages 16-18) is broadly comparable, in terms of average length of study, to a programme of three GCE A levels. A subset award comparable to two A Levels will also be available and known as the Progression Diploma. This will allow students to refine their skills and knowledge by offering an opportunity to specialise and explore fewer sectors at a deeper level. The content will remain broad with links across manufacturing sectors to allow progression into employment, further HE/FE education or on to an Apprenticeship.

The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design contains three key areas of learning:

Principal Learning – this is sector-specific learning. For example with the Manufacturing Diploma students will develop knowledge, understanding and the skills relevant to the manufacturing sub-sectors. They will also be given opportunities to apply these skills to work based roles or situations.

Specialist Learning – Students will be able to choose from a range of learning options selected by employers as being beneficial to working in the different manufacturing industry. This could cover areas such as health and safety or quality assurance.

Generic Learning – All students taking part on a Diploma will still study core subjects including English, Maths, Science and ICT, PE and citizenship.

The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will also incorporate a minimum of ten days work experience.