Nottingham students will have the chance to find out more about one of the biggest changes to education in a generation on Friday (November 14) as the Diploma roadshow visits the Trent Vineyard centre in Lenton Lane.

The Diploma is a new qualification for 14-19 year olds that combines learning in the classroom with practical experience. Young people in Nottingham were amongst the first in the country to begin studying the Diploma in September, with courses in construction and the built environment , creative and media industries, engineering, information technology and society, health and development professions, many of them specifically addressing skills shortages in the East Midlands. Another four Diplomas in business, admin and finance, hair and beauty, hospitality and manufacturing will be offered in the area from September 2009.

The Diploma roadshow is part of a national tour to inform young people about the Diploma. Students in Year 9 and Year 11 who will soon be choosing their course options for their next two years, will be given the chance to find out more by using touch screen kiosks and taking part in discussions in innovative inflatable ‘pods’. The Roadshow will be followed up with a series of open evenings for pupils and their families to find out more details about what each specific course can offer.

Around 200 students are already studying the courses at all three levels and at schools, colleges and training centres across the City. The Foundation and Higher Diplomas will be equivalent to GCSEs and the Advanced Diploma will be equivalent to three and a half A’ levels and enable students to access university places.

They involve three-way partnerships between schools, colleges and local industry who can offer workplace training and experience. Local businesses get involved by working within the diploma partnerships, talking to pupils in school, offering work -related learning placements and setting up projects.

Councillor David Mellen, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio holder for Children’s Services, said National Diplomas in the City had started well this term.

“Diploma students are finding the courses enjoyable, stimulating and challenging, with new students already interested in taking up places as they see the courses in practice.

”The Diploma roadshow will give Year 9 students an opportunity to look at Diplomas as an option for next year, when they are starting their exam courses and when another four National Diploma subjects will be available. Diplomas are a valuable additional course of study for our teenagers which will help to address the skills shortage that employers tell us about."

Employers have been closely involved in devising the new diplomas so that they can help give young people an overview of the variety of jobs available in different sectors of business and industry and the skills they need to join the workforce successfully, such as flexible, responsive teamwork, being able to think and work independently.

Minister for Schools and Learners, Jim Knight, said: "Diplomas are an exciting new option for young people in Nottingham alongside GCSEs, A Levels and Apprenticeships. The new, enjoyable and engaging form of learning is a great route to university or employment. The roadshow has been designed to make sure that young people have the information they need about the Diploma when making their crucial decisions as part of their Year 9 or post-16 choices.”

The Diploma is part of a national programme to widen the choices available for young people to encourage them to learn for longer and gain the skills they need to succeed in work and life. GCSEs and A Levels can also be taken as part of a Diploma course. Developed with employers, schools, colleges and universities, it provides a route into further or higher education or work.

By 2011, 17 Diplomas will be available in England. GCSEs and A Levels can be taken as part of a Diploma course.  For more information about the Diploma in Nottingham visit www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas or contact Andrew Mullahy on 0115 915 7885