Automotive Employers Urged to Consider Diploma in Product Design

Employers are being encouraged to consider a new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design as a way of investing in the future of their business. The course has been developed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in industry, and will be taught from a curriculum designed in partnership with manufacturers. Available to young people aged between 14 and 19, it will be launched in September 2009 in 27 areas across England, delivered by approved consortia of schools, colleges and employers. In September this year, new consortia will be invited to apply to deliver the qualification from 2010, extending its reach to more young people. By 2013, the diploma will be available to all young people in England.

The diploma will be available at three levels – foundation, higher and advanced with learning split into three components. Principal learning is designed to provide a broad understanding of manufacturing processes, while generic learning covers English, maths and ICT. Additional and specialist learning gives learners the chance to develop their particular interests, by taking specialist courses relating to specific sectors. Courses could include GCSEs, A-Levels or vocational qualifications.

“Having a qualification available in schools and colleges that has been designed by industry provides us with an excellent opportunity,” said Paul Turnbull from Semta, the sector skills council for the automotive manufacturing industry. “In order to reap its benefits, it’s vital that businesses are actively involved in its delivery. Employers have long spoken of the problems they face attracting young people into the sector, and about the difficulties of finding skilled recruits who can add something to their business. The Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design offers the chance for employers to take action, by engaging directly with young people while they are still in learning. It is a massive opportunity, and one the automotive manufacturing sector cannot afford to let pass by.”