New vocational diplomas can play a key role in helping the next generation succeed in the global skills race, schools minister Jim Knight told a conference yesterday.

Knight said: "In future, young people will need the mix of academic and practical skills the diploma delivers.

“We are at the starting line of a global skills race which British businesses, universities and colleges must win - and diplomas will play a key role. There is a growing consensus among employers, universities and the broader education community that diplomas are going to make a real difference.

"Our challenge now is to ensure that young people themselves, as well as their parents, also share in the enthusiasm and excitement, understand the new opportunities on offer, and feel confident that choosing a diploma will help them fulfil their ambitions."

More than 40,000 students are expected to take the diploma when the first five courses - construction and the built environment, creative and media, society, health and development, engineering and information technology - start in September 2008.