Manufacturing diploma deadline approaching

The diploma, which has been developed in collaboration with employers to help equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in manufacturing, will be taught by consortia, partnerships of schools and colleges working closely with manufacturing businesses. It will be rolled out in 27 areas across England from September next year. Consortia looking to begin delivery the following September have until 26 November to submit their applications. Helen King, who is leading the diploma development project team, said the contribution from manufacturers would be crucial in the diploma’s success. “Manufacturers have never had the opportunity to shape the skills and knowledge of young people during their time in school or college in such a direct way,” she said. “The purpose of the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design is to educate and inspire a whole new generation of workers who can raise performance levels in UK industry. “Employers can get involved in delivering the diploma in all sorts of ways. Depending on the resources they have available, they could offer work experience placements, give factory tours and lectures, advise on project topics and practical tasks, and assist with teachers’ and lecturers’ continuing professional development programmes. We’re looking for companies of all sizes and from all manufacturing sectors. The input of manufacturing employers is vital in helping to give students a practical understanding of how industry really works.” All students taking the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will study business and management, product design, materials science and production and processing systems as core topics of principal learning. Additional and Specialist Learning options will allow students to choose from a range of vocational manufacturing qualifications, GCSEs and A-levels in addition to their principal learning. This will be complemented by work experience, an extended project, and assessment in functional skills in English, mathematics and IT, as well as employability skills such as self-management, team working and reflective learning. The diploma will be available at three levels – foundation, higher and advanced. Depending on the level and pathways followed, the diploma will prepare young people for employment, to undertake an apprenticeship, or go into Further or Higher Education. For further information about forming or joining consortia, visit the employers’ section of the DCFS website at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/employers. Employers can also contact their local Education Business Partnership (www.nebpn.org) for information about working with schools and colleges in their area. The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design is part of the second phase of a total of 17 new diplomas which will be available to all young people in England by 2013. It has been developed by the five sector skills councils representing manufacturing employers in the UK – Improve, Proskills, Cogent, Semta and Skillfast-UK. Visit www.manufacturingdiploma.co.uk/ for more information.