The New Engineering Diploma – some questions and answers
18/10/09
The New Engineering Diploma – some questions and answers
Keith Franklin
Q: What is the new Engineering Diploma?
A: The Diploma is a new 14-19 qualification that brings a different approach to learning. It enables learners to combine knowledge, understanding with hands-on experience of the sectors they are interested in. Diplomas were created to provide an alternative to more traditional education and qualifications. They represent the biggest change to the country’s education system since the introduction of GCSEs. A Diploma is described as
“ a fully rounded qualification combining theoretical with practical learning – including functional English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT).”
Q: Why is the Engineering Diploma different?
A:. The Diploma will offer learners excellent opportunities to progress in education and to explore the areas of the world around them, which are of special interest to them. These areas could include health, business, finance, IT – and, of course, engineering!
Q: What are the benefits of an Engineering Diploma?
A: The Diploma combines theory and classroom learning with practical experience. It aims to give young people the skills they need for success in the modern workplace and in life. In fact, it brings learning to life in new and exciting ways. One particular benefit of the Diploma is that of localisation. Learners have the opportunity to discover what is happening in the local environment – eg; through employer engagement. Although learners will be based at their school or college, they will be given the opportunity to do part of their learning with a training provider or college. This will enable them to acquire transferable skills that any employer, in any sector, will recognise and value.
Q: How does the Diploma apply to Engineering?
A: The Diploma in Engineering gives young people a broad understanding of engineering and its related sectors in the industry. The employer-endorsed content is up to date and relevant, reflecting the blend of technical, interpersonal and project skills needed by someone who is thinking about a career in the engineering sector.
Q: Which schools and providers are involved locally in the Engineering Diploma?
A: There is a wonderfully named “Northern Lights Consortium” which comprises the following schools and colleges:
- The Open Academy
- Sewell Park High School
- Thorpe St Andrew High School
- Sprowston Community High School
- EAGIT Limited
- Norwich City College
Two providers in the consortium - EAGIT Ltd and The Open Academy – will provide Diploma teaching for the 14-16 year age group. Norwich City College will provide Diploma teaching for the16+ age group.
Q: When does the Engineering Diploma Course start?
A: EAGIT will be offering Level 1 and Level 2 in the Engineering Diploma from September 2009 in conjunction with the Open Academy.
Students will attend EAGIT Training Centre one day a week for two years.
