The achievements of the City's first ever Diploma learners (who have completed the 14-19 Diploma in one year) will be recognised at a ceremony on Monday 9th November at the Djanogly Theatre, Sherwood Rise.
Special awards will also be presented to young people studying the diploma over two years in a number of categories, including 'Outstanding Contribution' and 'Most Improved Learner'.
The event, attended by young people, parents, carers, employers, Diploma partners and other education professionals will be hosted by Anne Davies from BBC East Midlands Today. Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services will deliver an opening speech and the awards will be presented by Ian Curryer, Corporate Director for Children's Services.
Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio holder for Children Services added: "The 14-19 Diplomas are a valuable addition to the choices available for young people and we have seen a significant increase in the overall number of Diploma learners across the city.
"Young people in Nottingham now have the opportunity to study a Diploma in one of nine subject areas including Construction, Creative and Media, Hair and Beauty and Manufacturing and Product Design, increasing to 10 Diploma options in 2010. This will not only help address the skills shortages across the region but reflects the strength of partnerships that have been formed between schools, colleges, other training providers, employers and Nottingham City Council."
Richard Devonport, 15 from Nottingham Bluecoat School is currently studying the Higher Diploma in Information Technology at Djanogly City Academy. As part of the course he has produced a radio advertisement and business proposal. Richard likes the hands-on approach and having to think on his feet and make his own decisions. He plans to progress onto the Advanced Diploma in IT after he completes year 11.
James Clarke, 15 is currently studying the Higher Diploma in Engineering at Top Valley School. He has been interested in Engineering since year 7 at school when he participated in an electric go-cart project and chose the Diploma because he wants to learn what Engineering will be like in the real world. James enjoys being around different people having access to the excellent engineering and motor vehicle facilities.
A spokesperson from XMA Ltd, one of the employers involved in the scheme, said: "Jamal Mohammed (winner of the XMA IT Diploma Award) and his fellow learners worked with our education team at XMA Ltd over a four week period on a real Business Challenge to produce a bespoke video promoting XMA's services to a large prospect in a European Tender for over £1M.
"Not only did the video capture the imagination of our prospective client, we were able to share understanding of a commercial bid process from start to finish and provide some great skills transfer from experts in our business. The Diploma offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to work closely with businesses like ours and to prepare them for employment of further study at college and university."
The second series of Diploma Roadshows kicks off this month, providing an excellent opportunity for year nine students and their families to look at Diplomas as an option for next year and visit the actual learning environment. Djanogly City Academy will host the event on 18 November, 2pm - 8pm. Visitors will be able to get information and advice on a number of Diploma option including: Business, Administration & Finance, Creative & Media, Hair & Beauty as well as a tour the Information Technology Diploma facilities on offer at Djanogly City Academy.
There will also be information stands and mini activities for each of the Diplomas on offer to Year nine learners when choosing their options. Staff from Connexions will be on hand to give impartial information, advice and guidance.
Young people in Nottingham were amongst the first in the country to begin studying the Diploma in September 2008. 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. Developed with employers, schools, colleges and universities, it provides a route into further or higher education or work.
Source: nottinghamcity.gov