4 March 2010
Engineering is becoming an increasingly
popular career option for young people according to new figures
that show a dramatic increase in numbers of 14-19 year olds
studying for a new qualification.
Developed with the support of Semta - the
Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
Technologies - the Diploma in Engineering was launched in 2008
after extensive research into the current and future skills
requirements of UK employers, and in its second year it has seen a
50 per cent increase in student numbers.
Working alongside other Sector Skills
Council’s, Semta worked closely with businesses across the country
to develop the diploma, which is unique in terms of both content
and delivery and can be studied to three levels, Foundation, Higher
and Advanced.
Teaching is both classroom-based and delivered
in the workplace by schools, colleges, independent training
advisers and employers themselves – helping to bring education out
of an academic environment and into the real world. A minimum of 10
days engineering work experience is also guaranteed, offering
students the chance to learn from professionals.
As part of their studies, students look at the
importance and impact of engineering on everyday life as well as
discovering basic engineering principles and related technology.
They also explore how new materials contribute to design and the
skills needed to develop and launch new ideas.
In its first year the diploma attracted
around 2,500 students, who are now in their second year, but in
September more than 3,840 young people signed up for the
course.
Commented Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive
of Semta:
“The students who started the course in September
2008 have really enjoyed it and this has influenced numbers for
2009/10.
“The country needs many more young engineers to safeguard its
future economic prosperity. The Diploma in Engineering is designed
to deliver a workforce that is ready to meet the demands of
industry and this new qualification is critical in developing the
next generation of engineers.”
Added Mike Evans, Director of Engineering and
Technology, RWE npower:
“For UK companies to remain competitive in the
future they will need young people with skills that are relevant to
the environment they will be working in. Input from employers
ensures this diploma helps industry while providing young people
with the skills they will need to find work once they leave
education.”