Engineering news
Content from the engineering diploma for 14-16 year-olds has been repackaged into four new GCSEs.
Chancellor George Osborne announced the new vocational qualifications today and said they will help Britain “thrive” in the global economy. In January, the government controversially downgraded the value of the engineering diploma for 14–16 year olds from five to one GCSEs, a move that angered industry and engineering institutions, including the Royal Academy of Engineering and the IMechE.
Now the academy is working with employers to redesign stages in the engineering diploma, known as principal learning elements, into four "rigorous" new courses. These will cover engineering science, applications of engineering science, design and the design process, and a collaborative group project. Schools will be able to pick and chose which of these courses they offer students.
It is hoped the new qualifications, which are expected to be introduced in September 2014, will lead to more students going on to have careers in engineering.
Professor Matthew Harrison, director of education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, explained that previously schools had taken a risk by offering the engineering diploma because of the length of time it took to teach the course relative to the level of recognition they got for it.
Harrison added: “This way we keep all the relevant and attractive things in the diploma but we package it in a way that schools can make use of it without having to be extremely brave.”
Announcing the reform at the opening of a new Rolls-Royce apprenticeships academy in Derby, Osborne said: “If Britain is to compete and thrive in the global economy then we must lead the way in science and technology. These new engineering qualifications will give young people the skills that they want, and that businesses need, to be at the forefront of this race.”
Dick Olver, chairman of BAE Systems, one of the companies involved in the development of the diploma, said: “The government’s support of the updated engineering diploma is excellent news for the growth of the UK economy. This qualification has been developed with employers and provides the knowledge and skills that UK industry needs from its workforce.”
He added: “We need 1.3 million people in science and engineering jobs by 2020 to maintain the economy. To meet this demand we need many more young people to take up engineering in schools, in colleges and at university to ensure the UK economy grows through engineering innovation and engineering excellence.”
Terry Scuoler, chief executive of manufacturers' organisation EEF, said that manufacturers will welcome the move as increasingly companies require academic attainment and relevant work experience.
He added: “Engineering skills are vital to many firms and the proposed qualifications will allow young people to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in this area while also working towards the level of English and maths required by employers.”