A scheme to add weight to the Government’s new diploma in engineering was launched this week. The EnGeneration project will give students taking the diploma access to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), its members and a new website.

“We are putting together a programme that will help them in their studies and bring home the relevance to everyday life of the subjects they are taking,” Chris Kirby, IMechE’s education manager, says.

“They will see, for example, that physics is used in the development of a car chassis and trigonometry is embedded in aircraft navigation systems. Education is one of the institution’s key themes and we want to do all we can to support the new diploma.”

The qualification is one of 17 new diplomas being created as part of the Government’s reform of the 14-19 curriculum and has been developed by the engineering industry and education experts to capture the attention of 14-year-olds.

The diploma represents a drive to lift numbers of young people opting for a career in engineering. “We are desperate,” says Jane Atkinson, vice-president of utility operations at Sembcorp, a power station and water treatment company. “There is a massive shortage of engineers - mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical. I don’t think young people understand what an engineer does.”

According to the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, engineering companies need 38,000 new skilled employees every year for the next six years. This is three times the number of young people now joining the sector. More than 4,230 students have enrolled on the new diploma course that started in September at 63 consortiums of schools, colleges and businesses in England.

The engineering diploma consists of three elements. The principal section includes: the study of the engineered world - the impact of engineering on our lives; discovering engineering technology - basic engineering principles; and engineering the future - what makes innovations succeed, how new materials contribute to design and how to develop new ideas. Students also have to do a minimum of ten days’ work experience.

A second area of study consists of additional and specialist learning options, where pupils can choose engineering topics such as robotics, medical engineering and aerospace. Students can also study a language, humanity or an arts subject. In addition they have to undertake a project. This could address, for instance, how engineering can play a part in reducing energy bills or how it can improve the lives of those with disabilities.

The third area of study consists of mathematics, English, information communications technology and personal skills, such as communication and applying knowledge and skills creatively in a business.

IMechE’s EnGeneration project will encourage students to liaise with local newspapers to contribute articles on issues affecting engineering.

The new diploma will be offered at three levels: foundation - the equivalent of five GCSEs at grades D to G; higher - the equivalent of seven GCSEs at grades A to C; and advanced - the equivalent of 3.5 A-levels or 420 Ucas points.

There is also a progression level diploma, similar to an advanced diploma but without some components. This will be equivalent to two A levels or 300 Ucas points. An extended diploma, which has more generic, additional and specialist learning, will also be available from 2011.

Students on foundation or higher diplomas could go on to progression, advanced and extended diplomas or A levels. They could also start an apprenticeship or take a job with further training. The progression, advanced and extended level diplomas will lead to college, university or further training and employment.

The diploma in engineering does not mean that students have to pursue a career in engineering. The qualification is designed to give students transferable skills that will be welcomed by employers in other fields.

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