Parents learn about benefits of the 14-19 Diplomas
Parents of Year 9 learners and local employers have attended an event at Mansfield Civic Centre to learn more about the delivery of the 14-19 Diplomas, which were introduced in September 2008.
The event was organised by the Mansfield Learning Partnership (MLP) and was opened by Berni Dickinson, the Director of the MLP, who explained the role of the partnership and provided an overview of how learners studying Diplomas had progressed in their first year.
After Berni’s introduction, Carol Atherton, Business and Development Director at Baggaley and Jenkins Ltd, talked about how the Diploma in Construction would provide a skilled future workforce and why employers should support the Diplomas locally.
Professor Nigel Hastings then explained the route to Higher Education for those learners choosing to study a Diploma, and the audience heard first hand from learners studying the Diploma in Information Technology.
Parents and young people had the opportunity to speak with lead teachers from Diploma delivery centres whilst representatives from the business engagement team at Nottinghamshire Education Business Alliance (NEBA), Connexions advisors, Aimhigher staff and local employers were on hand to provide advice and answer questions.
“It is important that both parents and employers understand the changes that are taking place in the world of education, particularly the various options open to 14 – 16 year olds and what this means both to youngsters as well as local businesses,” said Berni Dickinson. “We will all be working together to deliver these various programmes which includes the new Diplomas that are being introduced next year and beyond.”
From September 2010 there will be 9 Diploma lines available in Mansfield; Business, Finance & Administration, Construction & the Built Environment, Creative & Media, Engineering, Hair & Beauty, Hospitality, Information Technology, Society, Health & Development and Sport & Active Leisure.
When asked to comment on the event a parent answered: “It has been very interesting, in particular hearing the young people talk about their experiences of the Diplomas and how much they are enjoying the work/study balance. It has also been useful to speak to teachers and employers and gather information to help me advise my daughter.”
