SWINDON College is one step ahead of Government plans to introduce vocational diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The college already teaches vocational skills to 570 14 to 16-year-olds many of whom take time off school every week to study at the college.

Yesterday the Education Secretary Ruth Kelly announced plans to set up new vocational diplomas to run alongside A-levels and GCSEs in schools as reported in the Advertiser's second edition.

The plans have been given a big thumbs-up by 15-year-olds Jake Morgan and Jon-Paul Gregorace, who both study carpentry for a BTEC in Skills For Work And Life at Swindon College.

They were both awarded certificates for outstanding effort this week after having studied at the college since September.

Jake, who is a pupil at the Stratton Education Centre, said: "I really enjoy it here I enjoy making things and basically I wanted to learn a trade.

"You can actually get a job out of a course like this.

"I've applied to study full time at the college when I finish this course and after that I want to set up my own business by myself or with a partner.

"I'd like to make doors, furniture and garden benches and tables.

"I've learnt a lot, even though I only started in September. I know how to use a Tenson saw now and how to make joints.

"The certificate is the first award I've been given at school I never thought I'd get anything like that."

Jon-Paul, who goes to Common-weal School, in Old Town says he prefers learning at the college to school.

He said: "It's a much better environment for learning in.

"I like the course because it's so practical but I enjoy designing too.

"They should teach courses like this in school. Here if you do something wrong you can just do it over and over again until you get it right.

"My mum is really proud that I got the certificate."

Course tutor Alan Jones says he believes that studying for vocational qualifications can help to motivate young people in their other school subjects.

"The students will still need good academic skills to get into the trade," he said.

"Often their achievements go up in other subjects if they study a vocational course because they are more motivated.

"Students find it very rewarding and knowing what qualifications they need to continue in the trade helps them to get on with their school work.

"They see a bright future for themselves and they get to meet older students who are already in the trade and that's a positive thing."

Diana Milne