UK teenagers better prepared for business

While GCSE exams then A-levels, followed by university might be the standard route to a job for many of the UK’s young people, others are ready to start their careers well before they reach 21.

And for those who have already chosen their career path, the traditional examination route cannot always provide the most relevant training for their future jobs.

Now a new programme of industry-related diplomas will provide practical and applied training for students wishing to enter a particular profession.

Range of subjects

The first five subjects, available from September 2008, offer the opportunity for students to sample careers working with a range of tools from computers to plumb lines, thereby building practical skills and experience.

These subjects will be IT; society, health and development; engineering; creative and media, and construction and the built environment.

These diplomas are a cut above the rest because they are so broadly balanced to equip young people for tomorrow's world.

Sir Alan Jones

Chairman

Toyota

More subjects will be offered at a later date.

Industry-led qualifications

Critically, the new diplomas will be employer-led and, as they will be modular, schools and colleges will be able to collaborate with businesses to teach different parts of the diploma course.

Sir Alan Jones, chairman of Toyota, has become the diploma champion for employers, and in his opinion, “These diplomas are a cut above the rest because they are so broadly balanced to equip young people for tomorrow's world.”

Tailored to all levels

The diplomas are being introduced as a part of the Department for Education and Skills’ (DfES) 14-19 Reform Programme.

By 2013 the diploma courses should be available to everyone in that age group, wherever they live in the UK.

There are several levels of diploma in the new system, so everyone should be able to gain a qualification that represents their skills.

Level one is equivalent to four to five GCSEs at grades D to G; level two is equivalent to five to six GCSEs at grades A* to C; and level three is equivalent to three A-levels.

With an even greater proportion of the UK workforce endowed with skills that are closely matched to the workplace, young people and employers alike should reap the benefits.

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Learning & Skills Council

Department for Education & Skills