14-19 Diplomas
Diplomas are innovative new qualifications designed and
developed by employers for all students aged 14-19. They
combine work-related experience and academic studies to
introduce young people to an occupational area and prepare them for
further study, training, or employment. Their aim is to bring
learning to life and show how it can be applied to the real
world.
Diplomas are available at three levels:
- Foundation (equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D - G)
- Higher (equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* - C)
- Advanced (equivalent to 3.5 A Levels)
Which Diplomas are available?
The Diploma in
Engineering was among the first diplomas to be
developed. Students began following it in September 2008.
The Diploma in
Manufacturing and Product Design will be taught from
September 2009.
The Diploma in
Science is being developed for first teaching in
2011.
How do Diplomas benefit employers?
Diplomas help raise the profile of engineering, manufacturing
and science and the many careers these sectors offer.
They are a great opportunity to increase the pool of suitable
young people from which employers can recruit. Selecting the right
people can reduce staff turnover and cut recruitment and training
costs.
Diploma holders will be attractive to you as an employer because
they have gained:
- a realistic view of what working in your sector is like
- a good grounding in the basic principles
- practical skills and theoretical knowledge which you can
develop further
- other skills and attributes which you need such as teamwork,
communication, self-management, creativity and commercial
awareness
- the motivation to succeed
How do Diplomas benefit students?
Students benefit from studying Diplomas because they:
- flexibly blend academic and applied learning
- enable them to tailor their learning to suit personal
goals
- offer insight into possible careers
- allow them to keep their options open
- help them make career decisions on an informed basis
What do Diplomas consist of?
Diplomas are designed to broaden students’ horizons and give
them a range of next-step options. Students following Diplomas:
- learn about the principles underlying their chosen area
- do at least 10 days’ relevant work experience
- are taught English, maths and ICT in relation to their chosen
area
- complete a project to demonstrate what they have learnt
- develop ‘soft’ skills
- can select additional or specialist topics
Who delivers Diplomas?
Diplomas are delivered by consortia of schools, colleges,
training providers and businesses which have been approved for this
purpose.