14 - 19 Diploma

The 14-19 Diploma will create job ready and employable students. They will have not only an understanding of an industry sector but the opportunity to apply their learning through extended experience opportunities. Employability and functional skills will also be developed to ensure the student has the transferable skills required for work. They will enable young people, the future of an employer’s business, to make informed choices about what kind of work they want to do.

The diploma will run alongside GCSE’s and A levels and appeal to more practical students, however, they will not be in competition with current routes into the retail motor industry but will attract students who do not traditionally consider entering our sector. Students will learn about this sector and have an understanding of the business environment – this should increase the quality of candidates, increase retention and achievements rates in apprenticeship programmes.

The Institute of the Motor Industry are involved in the development of Diploma in Engineering and Retail.

Introducing the Diploma

(To download the following information as a pdf click here...) 

In September 2008 a new qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds is being introduced -The Diploma. This is an alternative to the traditional GCSE route, but one which keeps just as many options open. It could lead to a job, training or further study. Diplomas are not replacing GCSEs and A levels, but give you a different option, and you can take some GCSEs or A Levels as well.

The Diploma is a qualification based around work and you will have opportunities to experience different styles of learning in different environments, with an emphasis on practical activities. This broad mix of knowledge, understanding and skills will equip you for employment, college or university.

You will need a whole range of skills in life and the new Diploma will help you to develop skills and experience that employers, universities and colleges really value.

Today's Motor Industry

Part of a huge global industry, employing some 580,000 individuals in 67,000 businesses; the motor industry in the UK is one of today’s most dynamic sectors of employment and is worth more than £140 billion per year to the UK economy.

Manufacturers continue to push back the boundaries of technology, resulting in vehicles of increasingly high quality and performance. Areas such as vehicle manufacture and design, maintenance, body repair and refinishing, air-conditioning and electrical systems are becoming increasingly complex, demanding excellent technical skills in a range of hi-tech disciplines, using state-of-the-art specialist equipment.

The automotive industry offers almost numerous opportunities, if you have the drive, confidence and ability to perform in this challenging and dynamic sector, the rewards can be very attractive, with opportunities at every level to move up to the next step in your career.

The Diploma in Engineering - with Automotive Specialist Learning

You will be introduced to some of the key principles of automotive engineering and you will gain you an understanding of these. You will learn what engineering is all about and examine the different opportunities it has to offer. As well as understanding the theory behind automotive engineering, you will learn practical skills and develop an ability to solve problems both individually and as part of a team.

The course is designed to be interesting, relevant to modern vehicles and to open up a wide range of educational, training and career opportunities. You will have the chance to do part of your learning outside your school or college, with at least 10 days working with an employer, developing your skills and experiencing what work is like.

What is included in the Diploma?

Diploma Levels and what the Diploma can lead to ...