Case studies

I love technology and seeing what’s new in the shops. My dream is to design a new product. It amazes me that there are still so many ideas and better ways of doing things to come. I’m doing the Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design because it’s going to help me fulfil my goal.

What will I learn?

The Principal Learning covers nine areas including research, development and how new products are manufactured. It’s going to teach me the basics of the whole industry, as well as the skills you need to work in each area.

I work in a furniture shop on Saturdays, which I really enjoy, so I’m doing a City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Furniture Production as part of the Additional and Specialist Learning.

What am I looking forward to?

Putting what I learn into practice, like the project. I’m going to see how different materials can be used for products - like making furniture out of cardboard. My best mate is taking media studies and we’re going to work together on our final projects. He will be filming my results as part of his.

I’m also doing work experience. As well as my usual job as sales assistant in the furniture shop, I’ll be spending a week at a factory that produces glass ornaments using modern technology. It will be interesting to see how it’s done.

What will I do afterwards?

I want to carry on in the furniture business, so I’m looking at doing an Honours Degree in Furniture and Product Design. Hopefully one day I’ll be selling my own furniture.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

I want a career that makes a difference to the world. I think problems like global warming can be helped by better manufacturing and not by expecting people to waste less. The Higher Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design will give me a chance to learn about these issues in more detail.

What will I learn?

Altogether, there are seven Principal Learning areas to cover. I’ll look at the whole manufacture and design process, from idea to production. I’m also doing a BTEC First Certificate in Engineering as part of the Additional and Specialist Learning. And I’ll still take compulsory subjects like maths, English and science.

For work experience, I’m spending a week in an injection-moulding plastics factory helping to carry out tests on plastic components. I have a two day placement in a glass factory and one day a week for eight weeks I’m helping out at a paint and varnish production plant.

What am I looking forward to?

I love riding my bike to school, but it’s not always easy with all my books and stuff. For my project, I want to look into new ways that people can carry bags on their bikes. I want to make it easy for people who don’t cycle to work because of this, to start. I’ll show my designs to some bike manufacturers and see what they think.

What will I do afterwards?

I will probably want to continue with learning about environmental problems. I might go on to do some A Levels in environmental studies, physics and maths, to learn more about the science behind materials.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.

I prefer practical subjects and lessons that involve making things. Food Technology and Craft, Design & Technology are my strongest subjects at school.

I’ve decided to do a Foundation Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design. I love watching Saturday Kitchen and things like that, so I’m looking forward to finding out more about food production in particular.

What will I learn?

The Foundation Diploma is perfect for me. It teaches us at beginner level about the manufacturing business, so we get a good picture of everything that’s involved. It’s for the Principal Learning part of my Diploma course. Part of this is learning how to deal with customers and suppliers and, of course, how to manufacture a product. I’ll also find out about the science behind the different materials that are used.

I’m taking a Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Engineering for my Additional and Specialist Learning. And I’ll still do maths, English, science and ICT GCSEs too.

What am I looking forward to?

Probably my project; I want to come up with an idea to make the manufacturing process easier or faster. I can work out how much it will cost to improve the process and present all my findings in a report. I’m looking forward to putting the report together because I can use drawings and give my conclusions on different ideas.

I’m also spending two weeks at a factory in town where they produce bread and cakes. It’s going to teach me a lot about how things are packaged and give me lots of good ideas for my project too. I love the smell of bread which is a bonus!

What will I do afterwards?

I will probably stay in education. I still don’t know what I want to be yet, so I think it’s important to get good grades in English, maths, science and ICT to start with. I’ll work on them and go from there.

This case study is an illustration of how and why a student might decide to do a Diploma; it does not refer to a real individual. To talk through your own specific study or career goals, you can seek further advice and check local availability with your teacher or Connexions Adviser.