"It will embed fundamental study and thinking skills in young people"
As part of The Diploma, students will get the chance to learn with, and be mentored by, employers.
The Diploma has been designed by employers for employers so that young people are better prepared for work. It is part of a national programme to provide young people with more options, to encourage them to continue learning for longer.
Young people will gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed by employers through theoretical study and practical experience. To get a Diploma they will have to demonstrate functional skills in English, maths and ICT, along with personal skills such as the ability to communicate and work in teams.
The introduction of the Diploma is likely to help reduce recruitment and staff turnover costs. Young people will enter the workforce with more relevant skills and an understanding of work.
The first schools and colleges will be offering Diplomas in September 2008. These are in Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, Information Technology, and Society, Health and Development. By 2011 all 17 Diploma subjects will be available in areas across the country. They include Environmental and Land-based Studies; Business, Administration and Finance; Manufacturing and Product Design; Hospitality; Hair and Beauty Studies; Travel and Tourism; Public Services; Sport and Leisure; Retail; Science; Languages and Humanities.
2. How do Diplomas function?
The Diploma is a new qualification that combines theoretical study with practical experience – giving students the opportunity to develop work-relevant skills. It will also help them to make decisions about their future career without closing down options.
All Diplomas will require a student to achieve a minimum standard in English, maths and ICT, complete a project and do a minimum of 10 days’ work experience. Diploma students will also acquire the skills and knowledge which are essential for success in employment, both related to the subject and those which are common to all, like teamwork, self-management and critical thinking skills.
The Diploma provides the opportunity for learners to incorporate other qualifications, whether vocational, GCSE or A level.
3. What are the Diploma components?
Diplomas combine theoretical study and practical experience. All Diplomas will require a student to achieve a minimum standard in English, maths and ICT, complete a project and do a minimum of 10 days’ work experience. Diploma students will also acquire the skills and knowledge which are essential for success in employment and higher education, both related to the subject and those which are common, like teamwork, self-management and critical thinking skills.
The first schools and colleges will be offering Diplomas in September 2008. These are in Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, Information Technology, and Society, Health and Development.
By 2011 all 17 Diploma subjects will be available in areas across the country. They include Environmental and Land-based Studies; Business, Administration and Finance; Manufacturing and Product Design; Hospitality; Hair and Beauty Studies; Travel and Tourism; Public Services; Sport and Leisure; Retail; Science; Languages and Humanities.
Every Diploma student must complete a number of compulsory and optional elements. Compulsory subjects in the Diploma cover the core elements of the student’s chosen subject. For example, in an Engineering Diploma there are three principal learning themes:
In addition, students will continue to study English, maths and ICT and will need to achieve a minimum standard in all three to pass the course.
4. How will it benefit UK employers?
Businesses today need students who have transferable, work-relevant skills and knowledge that they are able to apply in a practical way. The Diploma offers a range of teaching and learning styles, across a variety of different environments, to help young people become better prepared for work and life.
It prepares students for employment, training, higher or further education and helps them to develop a good understanding of how an employment area works. Through theoretical study and practical experience, students get an insight into what occupation, future training or learning they may wish to take up. They also learn better personal skills such as the ability to communicate and work in teams.
The Diploma will not make them job ready. Apprenticeships and NVQs are available to those individuals who already know what occupation they want to pursue.
Learning about a chosen subject will also help students make important decisions about their future career. It will enable them to acquire transferable skills that any employer, in any sector, would recognise.
5. What will it mean for you, as an employer?
The Diploma is an employer-designed and supported qualification which means that employers will be actively involved in shaping the skills and work experiences of young people.
Young people will get the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to do well at work. Employers benefit from a wider pool of better qualified recruits who understand their business or industry.
The Diplomas offer a very real chance for employers to contribute to the education of potential employees, making a positive impact on their local community and raising skills in England.
6. How to find out more information?
Contact your relevant Sector Skills Council to get involved in a particular Diploma or your local education Business Link organisation to get involved with Diplomas in your area. You can also contact the employer enquiry line:diplomainfo.4employers@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk or get more information about how you or your business can get involved with Diploma courses from:
www.qca.org.uk/14-19
