More Choice for students more skills for UK plc
145 pioneering partnerships to offer thousands of places on brand new Diplomas-
Education and Skills Secretary Alan Johnson and Schools Minister Jim Knight today announced that up to 40,000 places on the first ever Diplomas will be available for young people from September 2008.
Courses in five areas, from engineering to creative and media, will be offered by pioneering partnerships of schools, colleges and training organisations. These groups are working with employers to give young people hands-on options alongside other qualifications like GCSEs, A-levels and apprenticeships. Students will be able to learn in different environments, including schools, colleges and the workplace.
Up to 40,000 places will be available for students aged 14 - 19 for the first new Diplomas in construction and the built environment; engineering; society, health and development; IT; and creative and media. These new qualifications will help students to progress towards skilled jobs and further and university education. Diplomas will therefore be available for the full ability range.
Today 145 groups of schools, colleges and training providers ('consortia') have been given the green light by ministers to offer places on Diploma courses to students in 97 local authority areas in England.
A further 197 consortia have been given provisional approval to deliver the new qualifications in September 2009. Other consortia will have the chance to apply again.
£90 million of central funding will help regional consortia to work up the detail of the new qualifications in each area. Ten consortia have been approved to deliver Diplomas in all five subject areas from 2008.
Secretary of State for Education and Skills Alan Johnson said:
"Diplomas will be an attractive and flexible option for young people. They are just one part of our plans to encourage more young people to stay in education and training. With fewer low-skilled jobs, we need more high-skilled young people. Diplomas will provide the missing link - creating the mix of vocational and academic education which we've lacked for so long. Their introduction is one of the most radical educational developments taking place anywhere in the world and we are putting funding, energy and commitment into making them a reality."
Minister for Schools and 14-19 Learners Jim Knight said:
"This is an exciting time for education and skills - and for the schools and colleges whose local students will be the first people to benefit from these brand new qualifications.
"Diplomas are a radical step forward, combining the best of theoretical and applied learning. They will give students more choices, provide employers with the knowledge and skills we need to make the country more competitive, and offer universities students who are motivated to academic learning through work-related skills. The first Diplomas are now taking shape and the programme is on target to deliver the rest.
"Employers have been involved in their development from the start, so that Diplomas bring them what they need - young people with sound reading, writing, maths and ICT skills, who come equipped with an understanding of industry.
"I'm delighted that so many places in the first phase will be available to students. We will do everything we can to support the groups of schools and colleges who will be helping young people to realise the benefits of Diplomas.
"Our investment will make sure that our young people are equipped to meet the challenges of rapid global, demographic and economic change, ready to make their full contribution to the future prosperity of this country."
Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said:
"We welcome the launch of these new Diplomas. Employers hope they will inspire students to develop the specialised skills companies want as well as the basic literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed in work and life. Diplomas should offer a high quality route attractive to all young people. Good careers advice and guidance is also vital to ensure students are fully aware of all the options open to them and of the potential to progress."
The new Diploma will allow students to progress to further study, university or work. Students will be able to choose Diplomas alongside GCSEs or A-levels or in place of them.
Young people will have a wider choice to study what they want and where they want and will be better prepared for further study or work. Diplomas uniquely combine essential skills and knowledge, hands-on experience and working with employers.
Last year, schools, colleges and training organisations formed local 'consortia' and submitted proposals to deliver Diplomas. A rigorous 'gateway' process has assessed the capacity of each consortium to deliver high-quality courses and training and make sure that schools and colleges get the right support.
Each successful consortium of schools and colleges will receive £30,000 for each type of Diploma they will offer, to help them train and recruit staff. There will also be funding for staff training for consortia who plan to deliver in 2009 and beyond.
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