The Diploma

• From September 2008 a new qualification, the Diploma, was introduced combining academic study with practical learning which offer studies across a variety of sectors.
  
• They have been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and qualifications and will equip young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education and long term employability.
  
• A student 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.  
  
• Over the next five years Leicestershire students will be able to study Diplomas in:
  

Creative & Media         ICT                              Society, Health & Development
Engineering                Hair & Beauty               Environmental & Land Based
Public Services           Hospitality                    Construction & the Built Environment
Travel & Tourism         Retail                           Business Administration
Humanities                 Languages                   Sport & Recreation
Science                     Manufacturing & Product Design

• The Diplomas have been designed by employers for employers, so that young people are better prepared for work. 
  
• Young people will enter the workforce with more relevant skills and a better understanding of work.
  
• The future workforce will be more literate, numerate young people with a positive attitude, who are able to communicate effectively, work in teams and have good business awareness.
  

How does it work?  
Employers can support the Diplomas through:

• offering work experience
  
• hosting a visit for students and/or teachers
  
• Sharing their expertise and knowledge to develop subject specific lessons with a school, bringing a work context to a topic
  
• Giving a talk in a school
  

Does it make a difference?
Educators and employers have worked together to develop the Diploma which has ‘transferable skills' at its core.  Giving young people the opportunity to develop vital literacy, numeracy and employability skills and apply them in real life situations will help them see the relevance for their future working lives.

To contact the Diploma support team click here.