UKCES

What is the Diploma?

The Diploma is a qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds that focuses on a specific sector. There is a strong focus on equipping students with the functional skills needed to do well working in any field, as well as teaching them practical techniques required for different job roles.

The Diplomas will also provide students with an understanding of that sector's structure, its role in society and economic importance. They offer an opportunity for students to acquire practical understanding and experience that they can apply in their next stage of development, be that at university, college or work.

All Diplomas have been developed by employers, schools, colleges and universities to help young people realise their potential and gain knowledge and skills in a 'real world' environment.

How will it help my business?

Because the Diploma is driven by employers' skills requirements, it will ensure students have an excellent grasp of English, maths and IT skills, while applying these subjects to real business scenarios where possible. Students will learn a range of skills, for example from understanding the importance of applied mathematical skills in engineering to writing business letters. A minimum of 10 days' work experience will also provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge, while individual project work will encourage initiative. All of which will enable more school leavers to make an immediate, positive contribution at work, lessen the need for basic training and induction and allow employers to focus on specialist training suited to making their business more efficient.

But the diploma will also stretch the most able students to ensure they are prepared for whatever path they choose: further or higher education or skilled employment. The focus is on transferable skills that will deliver mobility in the labour market and enhance UK competitiveness.

Employers will also get an assurance that they can trust the Diplomas. A Diploma will be a guarantee of what a young person can do; it will be a world-class preparation for continued learning and the world of work. Diplomas could provide a real material benefit to employers by reducing recruitment and training costs, and staff turnover, as young people come into the workforce with higher levels of skills and having made more informed choices.

What business sectors will be covered?

From September 2008: the first five Diplomas cover Construction and the Built Environment; Creative and Media; Engineering; Society, Health and Development; and Information Technology.

From September 2009: the next group will cover Environmental and Land-Based; Hair and Beauty Studies; Manufacturing and Product Design; Business, Administration and Finance; and Hospitality and Catering.

From September 2010: Public Services; Sport and Leisure; Retail, and Travel and Tourism.

The courses will give a strong grounding in specific sectors, but will also ensure students have wider skills and knowledge to prepare them for work in any field.

What about other qualifications?

The Diploma will be at three levels and aims to complement the existing system, with students able to switch between different types of qualifications: some may choose to take a Diploma from 14 to 16, and then do A levels or potentially an International Baccalaureate; or they might do GCSEs, and then start a Diploma at 16. GCSE and Diploma courses will be integrated; with functional skills elements of English, maths and it GCSE qualifications forming a core part of the Diplomas.

The Diploma has been designed to integrate with existing qualifications - the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) will ensure the quality of the diploma is pitched at the same level as GCSE and A level. Having listened to employers, GCSEs and A levels will include elements that relate to the working world.

Has business been involved?

Yes – employers have been integral to the creation of the Diploma. Content is being developed by Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs) made up of stakeholders across education, government and business. Business needs in each sector are represented through the appropriate Sector Skills Council. A wide range of organisations including Jaguar, the NHS, Deloitte and Norwich Union have been involved in designing the respective Diplomas.

Can my business still get involved?

Absolutely. It is important that businesses remain at the heart of the diploma programme to ensure schools and colleges stay in touch with the latest Needs of industry. Employers can get involved in local 14-19 partnerships and consortia and provide training and work-experience placements.

What is also included in the 14-19 Reforms?

The government has listened to the concerns of employers and are embarking on a major programme to put functional skills in English and Maths at the heart of the curriculum for 14-19 year olds, so that no young person leaves education without them.

What work experience will be Included in the Diploma?

Work experience will be a key feature of all Diplomas. Each Diploma will require a minimum amount of time in the workplace of 10 days across The programme at each level. Wherever possible, this work experience should be directly related to the Diploma being studied, but its focus will be on developing employability skills so could be undertaken with any employer.