A GROUP of Plymouth manufacturers will give teenagers a groundbreaking taste of working life, including access to their factories, when a new qualification launches this September.

Thirteen companies – Kawasaki Precision Machinery, BD Diagnostics, Ginsters, Hellermann Tyton, Bombardier Transportation, DS Smith, The Barden Corporation, Langage Farm, Rittal CSM, Alderman Tooling, Quality Components, Princess Yachts and X-Fab – are supporting the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design by giving students access to their factories and workshops and setting projects for them to complete during the two-year course.

The Plymouth Manufacturing Group has also thrown its support behind the qualification, which will see 17 students from Notre Dame Catholic Girls' School and Tamarside Community College start the level 2 diploma this Autumn.

Among the projects they will undertake are the chance to design a flavoured cream cheese for Christmas and develop packaging for a new product.

Plymouth's Manufacturing and Product Design line lead Denis Thomas said: "The new diplomas are one of the most exciting developments in secondary education that I have experienced in my career and I am certain the students will thoroughly enjoy the experience and form part of the highly skilled manufacturing workforce of the future.

"We have spent a lot of time ensuring the qualification offers as many insights into the world of work as possible, getting high-profile employers in the area to host visits and set briefs for students to complement the high standard of teaching they will receive in the classroom.

"All employers believe their involvement with the diploma is a great opportunity for them to contribute to a stimulating course that will help them explain their business and industry to the next generation and wider community, and equip learners with the skills to pursue fulfilling careers.

"This is just the beginning for the diploma; we also plan to run a higher, level 3, course in conjunction with City College Plymouth."

The course starts with a launch event at Kawasaki's Precision Machinery's factory in early September, where all employers involved will meet teachers and students

The diploma's first project will involve designing a flavoured soft cheese with dairy produce manufacturer Langage Farm.

Later, students will work with DS Smith to develop a new packaging product, focusing on the testing and correct choice of materials.

Among the manufacturers students will work with are well known multi-national businesses as well as smaller specialist companies such as Quality Components, a computer numerical control (CNC) engineering company which produced the swords for Hollywood blockbuster Alexander.

The diploma is one of 17 new qualifications being phased in for 14- to 19-year-olds to sit alongside GCSEs and A-Levels.

It will be delivered by partnerships of schools, colleges and businesses to offer students a solid grounding in the practical skills and applied knowledge needed to pursue a career in all manufacturing sectors, including print, automotive, chemicals, textiles and food and drink.

Plymouth is one of 34 areas in England approved to deliver the Diploma in MPD from September.

For information, visit: www.manufacturingdiploma.co.uk/.