The partnership sees schools and businesses working together to develop learning for 14-19-year-olds, and offers an insight into various industries.


Lincolnshire is one of the first nationally to introduce a diploma, which is aimed at helping young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a working environment.


John Spendluffe Technology College, Alford, has taken on the higher diploma in engineering, which is equivalent to seven GCSEs, and plans to tie in health and beauty, hospitality and IT diplomas next year.


Year 10 student Daniel Fowler, 14, is looking forward to the challenges ahead.


He said: "I took the diploma as an option in September and we have just finished our first item which was an MP3 amp.


"The diploma gives us the chance to get more understanding of the industry and the more businesses we see and get to know, the bigger the impact we can have when we go for a job."


Representatives from schools in Skegness, Alford, Spilsby and Horncastle were joined by Sir Alan Jones retired chairman of Toyota UK and professor David Chiddick from University of Lincoln to recognise the work over the last 12-18 months.


Sir Jones discussed the importance of the diploma for employers and how it will build enthusiasm in new recruits who will have knowledge of the industry before they get started in it.

Awards were presented to local firms Finnveden Powertrain and Drury's Precision Engineering of Alford and North Shore Hotel, Skegness, as well as the University of Lincoln, Siemens, Honda UK Racing, Tong Peal, Strikemedia and Morton's Print.