Employer information

The Diploma has been designed by employers for employers so that young people are better prepared for work. The first schools and colleges will be offering Diplomas in September 2008. These are 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.

Young people will gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed by different employment sectors 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.

Getting involved with the Diploma means that you can help make sure that young people get the skills you need from them. You can support the Diploma at a national or local level, and there are a variety of ways you can help schools and colleges. This includes sending your staff into schools or colleges, hosting work place visits and producing real life case studies that teachers can use to bring the Diploma to life.

• Better prepared, more knowledgeable young people as employees.
• A more effective way to recruit for the future.
• Another avenue of staff development through talks and support for young people.
• The opportunity to help young people develop work-relevant skills and an understanding of how businesses operate.

For more information see the following links:

• DCSF - "14-19 education and skills - Employers"
• Skills for business - "Diplomas"