Get an 'A-Level' in motorcycle mechanics

MOTORCYCLE mechanics can be studied to A-Level standard from next year in an effort to boost opportunities for young people.

It's one of the subjects covered by 142 new A-Level standard vocational qualifications, called Tech-Levels, which ministers hope will help young people find jobs. 

The Tech-Level in Motorcycle Mechanics and Repair Principles is endorsed by Kawasaki. 

Other Tech-Levels, which are supported by businesses or trade groups, include a performing arts course backed by the Royal Ballet School.

Vauxhall, Honda and Volvo are supporting a qualification in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles. 

The new Tech-Level courses are to start from September 2014. Along with 87 Applied General Qualifications, covering wider business areas, they will be the only vocational qualifications to count in the 16-19 league tables from 2016.

Ministers hope the move will encourage students to take courses most likely to lead to jobs.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: "We must be honest with our young people. For too long, too many students have been taking qualifications that do not help them get a job, into training, or to university.

"Our radical reforms are part of our long-term plan for the economy and will mean that for the first time young people will know which qualifications are backed by top employers and lead to better employment opportunities.

"Tech Levels and Applied General Qualifications will give students the skills so vital to getting on in life, preparing them for employment, training and higher education. This will also help meet the skills gap holding back UK businesses."