New Diploma courses for 14 to 19 year olds are proving to be a hit with students enrolling at Redcar & Cleveland College this Summer.

Over fifty students have already taken up places on courses in Hair & Beauty, Construction & the Built Environment and Engineering offered by the college, with more expected to join them over the coming days.

The Diploma is a new Government backed qualification that combines theoretical study with practical experience aimed at equipping young people for the fast changing world they are growing up in.

The Diploma requires students to achieve a minimum standard in English, Maths and ICT, complete a project and undertake a minimum of ten days’ work experience, as well as study a principal subject area. They are offered at three levels; Foundation, Higher and Advanced – equivalent to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 study respectively.

The courses are being delivered in conjunction with local secondary schools and give 14 to 19 year olds the opportunity to study vocational qualifications alongside more traditional academic qualifications.

Due to the popularity of the Diplomas, Redcar & Cleveland College is already looking to expand the range it offers by adding additional Diploma courses in areas such as Retail Business and Travel & Tourism.

Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the new qualifications: “Further Education is all about offering a choice in how people learn and progress in their education.

“These new Diplomas expand the range of opportunities for our students and establish new pathways for progression onto higher level courses which can only be a good thing.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about the new Diploma courses, or other opportunities for learning available to them, can contact the college on 01642 473132.