Frequently asked questions

• What is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  It’s an exciting new qualification which gives young people the chance to learn about manufacturing and product design in a work environment, as well as in school or college. This new approach brings learning to life for students and helps them to develop a realistic understanding of the working world. The Diploma in MPD also gives young people the opportunity to develop the transferable skills required by employers, as well as encourages them to pursue a career in manufacturing.

  
  
• Who can do the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Young people aged between 14 and 19 years old can study the Diploma in MPD and students of different ages can choose between the three different levels of Foundation, Higher and Advanced depending on the level of study they require.

  
  
• Where will the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design be available?

  The Diploma in MPD is currently available in 34 areas around England. From September 2010, this new qualification will be available in a further 20 areas in England and this number is set to increase year on year. More information about the areas where the Diploma in MPD is being taught and will be taught, is available on the Where is it available? Page.

  
  
• What qualifications is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design equivalent to?

  The Diploma in MPD at Foundation level is equivalent to five GCSE grades D to G and is a level 1 qualification. At Higher level, the Diploma in MPD is equivalent to seven GCSE grades A* to C and is a level 2 qualification. Advanced level is the same as three and a half A-Levels and is a level 3 qualification. There is also a subset award known as the Progression Diploma, which is comparable to two A-Levels.

  
  
• Do young people have to study the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design at Foundation level before moving on to study at Higher and then Advanced level?

  Each level of the Diploma in MPD is separate and young people can choose the level they study at depending on their age and previous qualifications. Students also have the option to switch between different types of qualifications. For example, students could choose to take the Diploma in MPD at Higher level between the ages of 14 to 16 and then progress on to do A-Levels or an Apprenticeship. Alternatively, they may do GCSEs then follow the Diploma in MPD at Advanced level when they are 16 years old.

  
  
• How is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design different to A-levels?

  The Diploma in MPD mixes the theoretical and practical elements of learning, and provides the best of both worlds, bringing learning to life. The range of new Diploma qualifications provides more options for young people. These new qualifications give them the chance to learn about the working world through gaining work experience and developing the skills employers are looking for.

  
  
• How can the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design help young people to go on to study at university or college?

  Taking the Diploma in MPD provides young people with a good basis for further study at university or college. Students will develop a detailed knowledge of the manufacturing sector and various practical skills. As well as this, they will encounter real life situations through work experience, and learn about the range of career possibilities in manufacturing and the areas that they are particularly interested in.
  
  Young people will also gain the transferable skills needed for further study and this will give them an advantage when applying for university or college. These skills include communication, team working and creative thinking.
  
  Studying the Diploma in MPD at Advanced level could lead to a wide range of university courses in a variety of subjects. With the option of a college course and foundation or undergraduate degree, as well as full time and part time study to consider, students can decide exactly how they would like to take their next steps and even think about combining study with working.
  

  
  
• What will young people learn?

  As part of the Diploma in MPD young people learn specifically about manufacturing and product design. This is known as Principal Learning and focuses on the three different themes of: Product design and material science; Business and enterprise; and Production systems. Students also explore specific areas of interest through the Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) part of the Diploma in MPD, and can choose from a range of qualifications such as vocational courses linked to the various manufacturing sectors, GCSEs and A-Levels.
  
  Through completing at least 10 days work experience at a manufacturing company young people’s learning is brought to life. They also explore their particular interests when completing a project and studying independently. As well as this, young people develop their maths, English and ICT skills and complete functional skills assessments in these three areas. This demonstrates that they have developed the transferable skills employers are looking for.
  

  
  
• What will the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design lead to?

  The Diploma in MPD provides a detailed insight into manufacturing and product design for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in this sector. It is also a suitable qualification for those students who want to keep their options open as it gives young people the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills which are essential for work and further study.
  
  Whether young people are interested in going on to further study at university or college, considering an Apprenticeship or thinking about getting a job, this new qualification helps them to explore their specific interests and get to where they want to be. With links to various employers, a whole host of different Apprenticeships on offer and a wide range of university and college courses available, there are many next steps young people can consider taking.
  

  
  
• How is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design different to Apprenticeships?

  The Diploma in MPD offers a different learning route into the manufacturing sector, as it is designed for young people in full time education. Taking the Diploma in MPD provides an excellent basis to move on to take an Apprenticeship, which is a work based learning programme for people in employment and combines on-the-job and off-the-job learning and training.

  
  
• What is the difference between the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design and the Diploma in Engineering?

  The Diploma in MPD takes a more business-orientated approach, whereas the Diploma in Engineering focuses in more detail on technical aspects. There are some similarities as the Diploma in MPD teaches some of these technical skills. A document which outlines the similarities and differences between the two Diplomas has recently been developed and will be available soon.

  
  
• What are the benefits for schools and colleges which are involved in the delivery of the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Schools and colleges involved in the delivery of the Diploma in MPD benefit in a variety of ways. They have the opportunity to work closely with employers and this new approach supports the teaching process and encourages young people. Teachers and lecturers are given the chance to offer students a new learning experience and develop specific manufacturing skills and knowledge.
  
  Working in partnership with employers helps teachers and lecturers to bring learning to life with practical and realistic examples of manufacturing and product design. Employers can offer a wide range of support from work experience placements and site visits to providing learning materials and giving presentations. Teachers and lecturers develop their own skills and abilities, as well as benefit from this new teaching experience which mixes the practical with the theoretical.
  

  
  
• How can schools and colleges become involved in delivering the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Schools and colleges can get involved with delivering the Diploma in MPD by forming local partnerships with employers in their area. These are known as Consortia and teachers and lecturers can benefit from the manufacturing expertise employers have to offer. Each Partnership delivering the Diploma in MPD has been assessed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and has been approved to offer the qualification. This is known as the Gateway application process and you can learn more about this in the Get Involved section.

  
  
• What type of support can employers provide for schools and colleges teaching the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Employers can offer schools and colleges a wide range of support depending on their size and the resources they have available. This can range from work experience placements and site visits to providing learning materials and giving presentations and talks, as well as through mentoring and setting student projects. Through working with employers in this way, teachers and lecturers will develop their own skills and abilities, as well as benefit from this new teaching experience which mixes the practical with the theoretical.

  
  
• How can I consider health and safety during work experience placements?

  Schools and colleges which are working with employers to offer work experience or site visits are advised to read the work related guide to ensure the necessary insurance and risk assessment procedures are in place for health and safety regulations. Employers will work with schools and colleges to help identify suitable students who would benefit from the experience that specific work placements can offer.

  
  
• What are Functional Skills?

  Functional skills are the essential elements of English, mathematics and ICT that everyone needs to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and work. Functional skills are an integral part of all of The Diplomas.
   
  For more information about this important element of education, please click here.
  
   

  
  
• How are Functional Skills assessed?

  Young people on the Diploma route will need to sit separate functional skills assessments. In order for a learner to complete their Diploma, they must have achieved functional skills qualifications in English, mathematics and ICT; at level 1 for the Foundation Diploma, and level for the Higher and Advanced Diplomas.